However, this drop in the first week of January is not new and has been the trend in recent years, on dates where variables come together such as: a marked increase in maritime volume; the end of the arrival of air pallets and the appearance of expected condition problems in varieties such as Santina due to the end of their harvest.
By Daniela Barra.
The sales prices in the main wholesale markets in China for Chilean cherries during the first days of January have been well below the level of the previous year. The range of the drop in sales values is between 40-45% compared to prices of the previous season, affecting returns for fruit harvested in week 48-49 in Chile.
The factors that contribute to this drop are -among others- the oversupply and arrival of ships with large volumes that almost triple the volume at the same date last year. On the other hand, there have been marked problems with the condition of the Santina variety at the end of the harvest, with sensitive, weak fruit and the presence of rot. The beginning of the Lapins variety, on the other hand, has had similar results in terms of prices, with good quality and condition; but some isolated problems with a lack of color.
Given this scenario, buyers have remained cautious and reluctant to pay high prices, while importers/receivers have sought alternatives in markets in secondary cities within China, avoiding keeping stock.
Several importers indicate that, given the lack of information on the real volume exported from Chile, there is still a feeling – perhaps erroneous – about the real supply of fruit on its way to Asia; which increases uncertainty among buyers.
However, they are optimistic about the progress of the week since from January 10-12 the market should pick up in conjunction with the demand for fruit for the New Year (CNY) which would help raise prices.
SANTINA 2*2.5KG: JD180-200 2JD210-230 3JD260-280
SANTINA 2.5KG: JD100-110 2JD110-120 3JD130-150
SANTINA 5KG: XLD 130-140 JD160-180
Here is a new price report for blueberries and cherries: