FDK China Market Update — Week 8

February 28, 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

Supply of New Zealand apples has just begun, with the first arrivals recorded in week 7 and additional limited volumes entering in week 8. Both Royal Gala and Jugala are available, with Royal Gala trading in the range of ¥380–390 (18 kg, #100/113s). The season has started approximately two weeks earlier than last year, with values noticeably firmer in this early stage.

Blueberries

Chilean and Peruvian blueberry prices remained stagnant this week, with some varieties recording modest declines. Overall, Peruvian varieties such as Ventura, Magica and Sekoya Pop are priced 33%, 31% and 28%, respectively, below the previous season. The Duke variety, which has dominated the Chilean offer in southern China over the last three weeks, is currently priced only 10% below the previous season’s values. In the Chinese retail sector, there remains a substantial domestic offer with consumer-facing pricing mostly in the range of ¥10.00–19.90 (125 g).

Cherries

After a modest price recovery across the cherry market in week 7, we observed mixed pricing during week 8, with the dominant variety Regina improving by an average of +¥25 per 5-kg carton while Lapins declined in price. Regina is currently priced 44% lower than the same week of last season and 30% lower than in 2023. The industry’s focus is now squarely on addressing losses and reaching commercially viable agreements on how to distribute these losses throughout the supply chain.

Grapes

Grape pricing declined this week, affecting Peruvian, Chilean and Australian goods. The high returns previously recorded for Peruvian Autumn Crisp have decreased considerably, and this variety is now trading in the range of ¥270–340 (3J, 7.3 kg), with an average value of ¥310. While closer to previous years’ levels, prices remain above 2023 and 2024 values. Chilean Sable has also declined but remains close to the 2024 price range. The Australian Crimson season is just beginning but this variety is already trading 12% lower than the same week in 2024, with an average value of ¥270 (9 kg). Additional wholesale and retail data are available to members.

Plums

The plum market is gradually gaining momentum, with the first Chilean sea freight arrivals entering the market. Prices have declined, with those for 5-kg cartons of cherry plums notably lower than last season (32% decrease), while 9-kg cartons of D’Agen and sugar plums are currently priced the same as in week 8 of 2024. Detailed wholesale pricing and charts are available online.

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