GWM China Fruit Import Update: Blueberries & Cherries, 47/2015

U.S grapes dominated the market in week 47 however Chilean cherries and blueberries got all the attention. As Chilean cherry and blueberry volumes are on the increase both importers and buyers are devoting more energy to the valuable product. Southern hemisphere citrus is practically finished, while the imported apple market remains difficult.

Cherries
Chilean cherry volumes saw a marked increase in week 47 with Royal Dawn and Brooks the most dominant varieties in the first part of the week. By mid-week 47 both Royal Dawn and Brooks priced at between ¥500-550 (J, 5kg) for lighter coloured cherries and ¥550-580 (J, 5kg) for darker cherries. Leading into the weekend Royal Dawn was the most dominant variety, while fewer Brooks could be seen. Further limited arrivals of early Santina were also visible along with a range of early varieties. Near the end of week 47 most of the darker coloured Royal Dawn with an overall good quality priced at between ¥500-550 (J, 5kg) as lighter fruit priced around ¥50 lower. Larger sized fruit showing sound quality and dark colour asked for between ¥600-650 (SJ, 5kg), or mostly ¥50-100 higher by size. Movement remained positive.

Blueberries
Prices during the week decreased in both Guangzhou and Shanghai, with prices between the two markets quite similar and only showing occasional small differences. By the weekend most of the blueberries available were asking in the range ¥220-230 (1.5kg) while arrivals showing slight softness or a wider mix of quality priced mostly in the range ¥200-220 (1.5kg). Few arrivals have asked below ¥200 with sellers only dropping price if necessary. The best quality berries packed in renowned brands could still be found asking good values of between ¥240-260 (1.5kg) by the weekend, however this was scarce. Till week 46 blueberry airfreight is up 54% at 162k cartons being sent to China. A trend that has been seen with Chilean departures in the current season shows more volume being sent to east China. Whether sea freight follows a similar trend is still to be seen.

Image source: Pixabay