GWM China Fruit Import Update: Apples & Avocados, 48/2015

The dominance of U.S.A grapes was short lived, with Chilean cherries and blueberries making Chile the most dominant origin in week 48. As things stand cherry arrivals are lower compared to the previous season while blueberry arrivals are larger. Peruvian grapes remain rather scarce, with expectations mounting.

Apples

Little change was seen in the imported apple market, with movement still sluggish across the different varieties. Any quality or condition concerns were amplified by buyers pushing importers for lower sales values. Arrivals of Red Delicious were fewer than week 47 however fruit was also available off of the market. Good quality fruit packed in the most popular brands continued to price higher in Guangzhou with values in the range ¥280-320 (count #72/88, 20kg) movement however remained slow. Shanghai too received slow sales where most good quality apples were significantly lower in the price range ¥250-260 (20kg). U.S.A Red Delicious stocks remain readily available in both markets with fruit showing round shape or mixed colour mostly priced at between ¥200-230 (20kg).  Some in the market feel positive about the coming weeks, however volumes still to arrive and stocks off the market could possibly not be accurately accounted for. French Royal Gala remained a difficult product. Stocks of better quality fruit in renowned brands continued to mostly price at between ¥200-220 (count #100, 18kg).  Movement continues to be slow.

Avocados

Limited change was seen in the avocado market, with prices remaining similar but arrivals seemingly less. One reason for the seemingly lower supply has been the fact that importers have kept fruit in storage rather than bring it to market. Chilean arrivals were also expected to increase in week 48 with most of the volume bound for Shanghai. Prices saw little fluctuation with stocks still notably available on the market with larger sized fruit asking between ¥80-90 (count #22), while count #30/35 was moving gradually in the range ¥100-130 (6.5kg). Stocks which have already darkened (as well as larger sized fruit) ask between ¥50-70. 

The updated Chilean avocado departures to China and Hong Kong, to date exports are up significantly by 354% with 459k cartons departing till week 48.

Image source: Pixabay