GMW China Fruit Import Update: Apples, Week 43, 2015

Southern hemisphere citrus still dominate the market, however this is slowly shifting as overall volumes are on a steady decline. The market saw a mixed mood which was heavily depended on condition and supply. Local production of both citrus and apples has continued to impacted those fruit categories rather significantly, while fruit with concerns on quality and condition become more difficult to sell for reasonable prices.

The weather as forecast saw partly cloudy conditions in Shanghai and Guangzhou with temperatures dropping quicker in the eastern parts of the country versus the south. Temperatures in the far north in cities such as Shenyang have decreased to below zero in the evenings. Week 44 is forecast to continue this trend however some rainfall could affect Guangzhou in the start of the week while Shanghai is expected to receive rainfall mid to late week 44. These rainy conditions also accompanied by cooler temperatures.

For the imported apples, little change was seen in the imported apple market with sellers keeping asking prices similar to week 42. U.S.A apples as well as French have continued to arrive but not in significant volumes able to shock the market. Old stocks of southern hemisphere apples remained available from primarily Chile, as old stocks of New Zealand Queen could also be found but primarily in retail. New Zealand Queen was able to maintain price better than Gala types likely as it was more unique compared to local products. Chilean stocks of Royal Gala remain under pressure with larger sized premium specification priced at between ¥170-180 while extra fancy mostly priced in the range ¥140-150 (19kg). Fruit showing numerous age related issues sometimes asked between ¥80-100. French Royal Gala was not in as dire a situation as their southern hemisphere counterparts, but asking prices did decrease by ¥10 with most of the premium apples asking ¥220-230 (count #100, 18kg). It has been noted that some arrivals have not shown the preferred crunchiness, this however could be offset by C.A fruit later in the season with more pressure (crunchiness). Gala from the U.S.A did not see any notable shifts in price with most of the fruit on offer showing good quality priced between ¥230-260 (count #100/113) as limited brands maintained their price at above ¥300 (count #100/113) with movement slow.

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