In recent fruit markets, prices of South African Gala apples have risen sharply due to supply shortages. Xinjiang plums have also seen price increases as arrivals decline. At the same time, seasonal fruits for the Mid-Autumn Festival have begun to arrive.
Left: Xinjiang plums; Right: Soft-seeded pomegranates
For imported citrus, arrivals of South African grapefruit have recently decreased, pushing prices up from ¥160 (US$22.40) last week to ¥170 (US$23.80) per box. Traders explain that the overall supply of South African grapefruit is smaller this season, leading to stronger prices compared to last year and maintaining relative stability. The grapefruit season in northern China is nearing its end, while southern grapefruit has yet to reach the market, resulting in limited availability. Traders expect prices to rise further when southern grapefruit begins arriving, possibly approaching ¥200 (US$28.00) per box. They also note that demand exists for lower-quality batches, as some buyers use them for grapefruit jam. These lower-priced batches sold quickly, leaving mainly higher-quality fruit on the market, which helps stabilize prices.
Gift box packaging of South African and Australian oranges
Aside from a few high-quality fruits, many batches of South African Cambria oranges have fallen short of sweetness expectations, leading to lower selling prices than in previous years. Traders hope upcoming shipments will show better sweetness and allow for stronger prices. Overall, Australian orange and mandarin prices are lower than in past seasons. Traders report that Australian oranges have arrived in larger quantities this year, with quality varying by batch. Higher-quality fruit is selling well, though supply is limited. Australian mandarins, meanwhile, face pressure from South African mandarins. Popular South African varieties entered the market earlier, in greater volume, and with better flavor, weighing on prices and sales of Australian fruit. Both South African Cambria oranges and Australian mandarins have launched Mid-Autumn Festival gift boxes.
Left: New Zealand Queen apples; Right: South African Gala apples
Reduced arrivals of South African apples have also driven price increases, with Gala apples seeing the sharpest rise of about 15%–20%, now selling for around ¥270–¥280 (US$37.80–US$39.20) per box. South African Fuji apples have also increased in price. In contrast, New Zealand Queen apple prices have remained steady at ¥350 (US$49.00) per box for the past two weeks. Large and small sizes are priced the same, but sales of larger apples are relatively slower.
American Plums
American plum varieties currently available include Plumogranate, Tropical Pluman, and Midnight Rose. Traders say prices are similar to previous years, though overall sales have slowed. Among them, Midnight Rose plums are performing relatively well.
Durian supply overall is decreasing, while Vietnamese durian is gradually gaining market share. More traders are now favoring Vietnamese durian. Thai Monthong in A6 size is selling for around ¥800 (US$112.00) per box, while Vietnamese Monthong has seen a significant increase in A3 sizes in the latter half of the week, priced around ¥400 (US$56.00) per box, with strong sales momentum.
Mid-autumn seasonal fruit: Qiuyue pears and crispy persimmons
Among domestic fruits, Xinjiang plums and Mid-Autumn Festival varieties are drawing strong attention. This week, arrivals of Xinjiang plums, especially Jiashi plums, decreased, leading to price increases of ¥5–¥10 (US$0.70–US$1.40) per box compared with last week. Sales remain brisk. Traders note that Jiashi plum production was reduced this season due to sandstorms during the flowering stage. Other Xinjiang fruits on the market include crabapples, pluots, and Diaogan apricots, with crabapple arrivals rising significantly this week.
Xinjiang pluots (left) and crabapples (right)
As for Mid-Autumn Festival fruits, soft-seeded pomegranates, Qiuyue pears, and crispy persimmons from Sichuan and Yunnan have started entering the market. Qiuyue pears are enjoying a bumper harvest this year, with prices slightly lower than at the start of last year's season. Traders report that pulp texture and moisture content of some high-quality Qiuyue pear brands are now ideal.