GWM China Fruit Import Update: Grapes, Week 2/2016

Wholesale continued to be dominated and driven by cherries, with buyers and sellers still in a buzz while more Chileans have come to see how their fruit has arrived. Retail too is livening up with decorations and promotions for Chinese New Year visible everywhere! The market remained dominated by Chilean cherries, while Peruvian Red Globe arrivals continue to be substantial but by no means the largest we have seen.

Peruvian Red Globe remained by far the most dominant origin and variety of grapes on the market, still limited supply has continued to trickle into the market from both South Africa and Australia which has been almost entirely seedless grapes. One should consider the impact on the likes of South Africa and Australia if Peru increases its seedless growing capacity.

Red Globe continued to price in a large band starting from as low as ¥100 through to a high of around ¥180, with popular brands showing bright red bunches coupled with other soughtafter visuals keeping price at the top of the range at between ¥155-170 (XL/J, 8.2kg). This however was not where the rest of the market was, with good quality fruit showing different degrees of colour however generally good condition with greenish stems and firmness to touch asking between ¥135-150 (XL, 8.2kg) (lighter coloured fruit priced closer to the top price). Still there remains rather little supply of South African seedless on the market, however export statistics suggest there are significant volumes set to arrive before Chinese New Year! A number of seedless varieties were available from South African during the week with good quality Midnight Beauty arriving in the middle of the week able to find sales in the range ¥160-170 (XL/J, 4.5kg), while an arrival on the same day showing less consistent visuals priced at ¥10-15 less. Prime and Sugraone were also availble in insignificant volumes with Prime showing good first impression (consistent colour/green stems/sound packaging) priced at ¥130-135 (XL, 4.5kg) while fruit showing bruising asked for ¥10-15 lower with difficult sales.

Peruvian Red Globe departures to China and Hong Kong till week 1 are now above 3.67 million cartons which represents a decreased of 7% year on year. While week 1 could see an adjustment these departures will likely miss Chinese New Year demand, while some departures in week 53 will also miss this key sales period. Exports have been primarily focused on south China which has absorbing 55-60% of the fruit.

Image source: Pixabay