GWM China Fruit Import Update: Blueberry & Avocado, Week 3/16

The cherry drive continued to grip the imported fruit market with large volumes arriving into strong demand and positive movement, this was despite the striking drop in temperatures during the weekend! Chinese New Year continues to build with families planning their holiday activities, and many making (relatively) warm Shenzhen their hometown for the Spring Festival.

The blueberry market remained steady during week 3 with prices similar to what was seen in week 2. As blueberry arrivals are far fewer than during the previous season it is welcomed that prices have remained positive and reflected the short supply. The market in both Shanghai and Guangzhou were closer in price compared to the divergences which were seen during week 1/2. With both markets receiving generally sound quality fruit with satisfactory bloom, firmness and taste. Arrivals showing slightly mixed colour were manageable in the short market however fruit showing softness coupled with a dull appearance came into difficulty.

High quality blueberries with firmness to touch coupled with a strong bloom and uniformity could find sales throughout the week at between ¥135-145 (1.5kg), as reasonable quality fruit with slightly higher percentages of light quality issues ask for between ¥120-135 (1.5kg). Importers in Shanghai did however begin to try increase the price level with large blueberries showing excellent visuals asking for between ¥160- 170 (1.5kg), as smaller sizes asked ¥140-150 (1.5kg).

For the avocado, week 3 saw a slight divergence in the price of avocado, this was as Guangzhou market remained in an equilibrium while Shanghai importers/sellers tried to increase price levels. Both Mexican and Chilean avocado prices increased in Shanghai market, with Mexican fruit pushing up price more aggressively. This divergence in price could be due to most Chilean departures being focused on south China which has left a gap to fill further north in Shanghai, Beijing and surrounding areas. Most of the 4kg cartons without any condition issues continued to find sales at between ¥100-110 (count #22) in Guangzhou market, while the 6kg packs showing sound quality could still find sales at between ¥130-150 (count #35). Mexican produce in Shanghai asked for between ¥140-150 but progressively increased price to as high as ¥180 closer to the end of the week.

Let’s see the volume of imported blueberries and avocado. Till week 1 Chilean blueberry sea-freight is markedly down at 1.68 million cartons till week 2 which is a decrease of 41% year on year. Although sea-freight is down air-freight was up to close to 100%, with the market handling those early volumes to the market considerably well. Chilean avocado departures to China and Hong Kong to date are up by 318% with 860k cartons departing till week 2. Volumes for week 2/3 were not revised and will be updated in the following report in week 4.

Image source: Pixabay