FDK China Market Update — Week 11

March 17, 2025

Produce Report

This newsletter is published on behalf of Fruit Data Kings, a Berlin-based company specializing in pricing data and associated analytical tools for the fresh produce industry. For more information, visit the Fruit Data Kings website.

Apples (↓)

New Zealand clearly dominates the import landscape with well over 90% of container openings in southern China over the past three weeks. Royal Gala accounts for upward of 45%, followed by Jugala at just shy of 30%. As a result of increased supply, we have recorded further price declines this week, with New Zealand Royal Gala now around 12% lower compared with the same week of last season at an average of ¥251 (18 kg). We see this confirmed by the second week of South African Royal Beaut opening at values 8% lower than last season. New Zealand Breeze also declined in price this week but not as sharply as Royal Gala and Jugala, and this variety is trading similarly to last season in the range of ¥300–320 (18 kg, #90-110s).

Grapes (→)

The grape market has stabilized in China, while key items such as Australian Crimson, Peruvian Red Globe and Peruvian Autumn Crisp have lifted in price. Australian Crimson lifted by an average of around ¥15 compared with the previous week, while we do note that a wider price range has developed between the top-tier brands and the bulk of the volume. For Peruvian Autumn Crisp, we recorded a more marked price improvement for larger-sized fruit (4J), and as a result the market is now pricing similar to 2023 values, which is around 12% higher than 2024.

Oranges (→)

The first Egyptian Valencias have arrived into China during week 11, while limited U.S. oranges still retain dominance in the import segment. Two brands from Egypt opened with values between ¥135 and ¥145 (15 kg, #56-72s), which is about ¥10 lower than last season’s starting point. With that being said, the season has only just begun and usually lasts until around week 28–31 when South Africa begins entering the market.

Plums (↓)

D’Agen and sugar plums have accounted for approximately 65% of container openings in southern China since week 9. Wholesale pricing has decreased for both items, but both remain modestly above the same week of last season at an average value of ¥180–185 (9 kg), with large-sized 2J/2JD sitting at approximately ¥210–215 (9 kg) and smaller-sized XL at around ¥150–160 (9 kg).

Nectarines (↑)

Chilean nectarine prices lifted this week with Giant Pearl, Bright Pearl and Majestic Pearl all improving in price. Despite these gains, all of the varieties mentioned remain priced at levels below that of the same week of last year.