GWM China Imported Fruit Market Update Week 32 - Apples

The market in week 32 was similar to week 31, with buyers cautious of the volumes of citrus arriving from South Africa and Australia. Asking prices for citrus leveled off during the week with the larger volumes anticipated in the coming week on both sellers and buyers minds. Produce from the northern hemisphere is primarily cherries, with very little grapes seen landed as Moon Festival gradually approaches. The weather in week 32 saw continued high temperatures across the bulk of China. These high temperatures sometimes deterring people from venturing too far away from their air conditioned apartments and offices. Near the end of week 32 rainfalls began to affect south and east China as yet another typhoon approached. As a result of the approaching typhoon both Shanghai and Guangzhou are predicted to have rainfall for most of the week.

Here is the updated information of imported apples in Shanghai and Guangzhou market. The Chilean Royal Gala market decreased slightly further. Price levels remain stronger than earlier in the season. Brand continued to play an important role in the decisions of buyers, with many brands discounted due to reputation of having an apparent lower specification apple packed into a higher category. Good quality fruit packed in reputable brands was able to find sales in the range ¥270-290 (count #100/113, 19kg), while some other brands priced between ¥260-270 (count #100/113). Extra Fancy from Chile could mostly find movement in the range ¥230-250 (count #100/113). Royal Gala sized either larger or smaller than the conventional sizes sold in a similar price band as the Extra Fancy fruit.

During week 31 New Zealand Royal Gala tried to maintain price levels while Chilean produce decreased by around ¥10. Week 32 however saw New Zealand produce also decreasing in price to keep sales at a steady level. Class 1 fruit priced at between ¥260-275 (count #90/100, 17.6kg). Little fluctuation was seen in week 32 for New Zealand Queen, with most of the better quality apples pricing and able to find slow sales at between ¥390-410 (count #70/80, 17.6kg), only one supplier was able to price above the rest consistently and have steady movement. Poor quality fruit found slow sales at between ¥350-380, with some brands in a difficult situation. Poor quality fruit coupled with age continued to find sales more difficult with stocks priced at ¥300. U.S.A Red Delicious was unchanged during the week, with Premium specification mostly priced and able to find sales in the range ¥260-280 (count #80/88, 20kg) as Extra Fancy remained between ¥220-240.

To the side the chart of Chilean Royal Gala exports to China and Hong Kong. Year to date volumes are up 2% at 721k cartons shipped. Figures have not been updated till week 31 as an error has persisted on the database’s website.