Starting mid-week, arrivals of Chilean air-freighted cherries increased sharply, bringing a noticeable surge in customer traffic to fruit markets. The range of brands and varieties available has expanded significantly compared to the past two weeks, with new arrivals including Royal Dawn, Sweet Ayana, and Meda Rex.
As volumes have grown, cherry prices have fallen, dropping by anywhere from several dozen to a few hundred yuan (US$7–40) per package compared with last week, depending on the variety and size. Prices fluctuate daily with market conditions; for instance, Thursday's average prices were generally tens of yuan (US$1–5) lower than Wednesday's. According to traders, the Santina variety remains the most popular in the market, with large boxes (5 kg and 2×2.5 kg) being the preferred packaging, as they allow buyers to easily repackage and resell the fruit.
Left: Increased arrivals of Chilean cherries; Right: American pluots
Taking Thursday morning as an example, the reference prices for several mainstream varieties were as follows: Santina, 2 x 2.5kg (two-in-one) packaging: 2J size approximately ¥680–700 (US$93–96) per box, 3J approximately ¥780 (US$107) per box, and 4J approximately ¥850 (US$117) per box; Santina, 3J size 2kg pack: approximately ¥320 (US$44) per box; Royal Dawn, 3J size 2 x 2.5kg (two-in-one) packaging: approximately ¥520 (US$71) per box. Prices continue to fluctuate daily in response to changing arrivals and market demand.
Different varieties of Chilean Cherries
American green apples are now entering the market, priced at around ¥510 (US$70) per box, which is higher than in previous years. The price of American Gala apples has remained relatively stable since the start of the season, while Chinese Gala apples are currently at a comparatively high price level.
Among imported stone fruits, U.S. pluots currently enjoy the most stable supply. Traders report that pluots are the latest imported stone fruit to arrive on the market, and with few other imported plum varieties available, sales have been strong. Prices are 10%–15% higher than during the same period last year. For example, #24 size pluots are selling for about ¥240 (US$33) per box, while smaller sizes, typically under ¥200 (US$27) per box in previous years, are now priced around ¥210 (US$29). Larger sizes, such as #18 and #21, which were available at this time last year, have not yet arrived.
Left: South Africa Conference pears; Right: Belgian Conference pears
Regarding other imported fruits, South African lemon prices have decreased compared with the summer peak but remain higher than during the same period last year due to tight global supplies. However, with cooling weather and weaker market demand, sales have been relatively slow. Belgian Conference pears, available since October, are priced at around ¥110–120 (US$15–16) per box, with arrival volumes and prices largely consistent with last year.
Left: Chinese yellow dragon fruits; Right: South African lemons
As for domestic specialty fruits, traders report that Chinese yellow dragon fruit is now available nearly year-round, with only brief supply gaps between seasons. Large-sized fruits are currently priced at ¥110–120 (US$15–16) per box. During the pre–Mid–Autumn Festival peak purchasing season, limited supply and strong demand pushed prices to nearly double current levels.
