GWM China Fruit Import Update: Cherries, week 49 2015

Chilean cherries and blueberries received most of the market’s attention in week 49, with U.S.A grapes slowly on the decline while other northern hemisphere products such as apples continue to trickle onto the market. In the coming two weeks it is likely that Christmas demand could be of some support to various fruit categories most notably high value products such as cherries.

The cherry market was remarkably consistent during week 49 with prices staying similar throughout the week with only minor changes. One reason some in the market give is that overall quality has been considerably better than compared to the previous Chilean season (however one must also look at volume). As the week progressed Santina became more and more visible competing for market share against Royal Dawn. By the end of the week Santina was the most dominant variety on offer from Chile, with prices not reflecting the increased availability. Good quality Santina showing consistently dark coloured cherries with good firmness were able to price and find positive movement in the range ¥550-580 (SJD, 5kg) while Jumbo was at ¥500-530 (5kg). Royal Dawn and Glen Red were pricing much closer together during week 49 with prices declining slightly by the end of the week due to the competition given by Santina. By the weekend only best quality Royal Dawn and Glen Red in Shanghai showing dark colour, green stems and good firmness were able to move at ¥440-460 (JD, 5kg) while most of the still good quality fruit sold at between ¥410-430 (JD, 5kg).

Australian cherries were primarily Lapin and Skeena by the weekend with sales marginally better than in week 48 and the start of week 49. The Lapin and Skeena available have shown better firmness compared to the cherries available at the start of week 49, with visually pleasing fruit priced and finding sales at between ¥400-430 (28-30mm, 5kg) while gift boxes were getting better movement at ¥210-230 (2.5kg, big size). Although the cherry market was positive fruit showing slight softness continued to be put under pressure by buyers who have good quality options available. As of yet there has not been much pressure from buyers regarding other concerns such as drying stems or limited pitting/cracking this however should not be seen as an opportunity to test the market’s acceptable quality standards.

Image source: Pixabay