Australian Citrus Season Coming to an End in Shanghai

Australian Citrus Season is nearing an end in Shanghai. A visit to Huizhan Wholesale Market on 16 September showed a number of Australian navel brands, whilst mandarins were in much less supply with only 2PH Brand on display. Some traders complained that some of the late season fruit is soft - much of the better fruit was re-packed in 9Kg cartons locally.

Prices for the Australian Citrus was around RMB250-310/18Kg depending on Brand and Quality with traders saying sales were OK. Older Cara Cara were selling for around RMB 130/9Kg. Overall the market was quite quiet considering it was the week before the Mid Autumn Festival.

Overall importers said that whilst the Australian fruit was good this year they were reluctant to import large quantities in the current market climate and overall volumes have declined. They say South Africa is offering less risky payment terms of Consignment and Minimum Guarantee which is much more attractive to buyers. However, even South African fruit is very much subject to supply/demand balance with the price of Clemen Gold Nardacotts dropping from RMB220 to 130/Carton when supply increased 30%.

Interesting that some Australian navels arrived in China loose in 400Kg bins for re-packing by local wholesalers (price RMB 14 (Aud 3)/Kg, whilst Orchard Breeze brand was selling in 1Kg net bags (RMB 15).