The season officially kicked off last week. According to Manager Hong of Fresh Go Produce Co., Ltd., although heavy rains early in this year's production season resulted in a higher proportion of small fruit compared with previous years, overall prices have remained steady, and export prices are stable.
© Fresh Go Produce
"Hongmeiren mandarins, also known as 'Aiyuan No. 28,' originate from Ehime Prefecture in Japan. They were introduced to China in 2001 and entered large-scale cultivation in Pinghe, Fujian, in 2015. The production season runs from September through January each year. Their defining feature is their exceptional flavor — almost purely sweet — combined with a smooth, crumb-free, seedless peel measuring just about 1mm thick and abundant juice, with a usable yield of up to 95%," explained Manager Hong.
Excessive rainfall earlier this year affected fruit growth and delayed the reduction of acidity. "The proportion of small fruit is roughly 10% higher than in previous years. However, they are actually sweeter, although their acidity takes longer to mellow. Currently, the supply of large fruit is limited, delaying the opening of large orchards and keeping market prices from dropping quickly."
© Fresh Go Produce
Fresh Go Produce officially began exporting Hongmeiren mandarins after September 10, holding a launch ceremony to mark the occasion. "Local customs officials have been very supportive of our export efforts and even filmed a promotional video at our factory," said Manager Hong. "Because this year includes a leap month, the Spring Festival falls a month later than last year. As a result, the overall export season is expected to last longer, and total export volume is projected to increase slightly year-on-year."
At present, Fresh Go Produce primarily exports Hongmeiren mandarins to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North America. "Overseas customers consistently praise Hongmeiren mandarins for their excellent taste and high juice yield. They have become especially popular in Southeast Asia in recent years," Manager Hong noted. To better meet gift-giving demand during the Spring Festival, Fresh Go Produce has introduced locally inspired packaging innovations. "We have designed several classic Chinese-style gift boxes, reflecting the 'national trend' aesthetic, which has been particularly well-received among overseas Chinese communities," he added.
© Fresh Go Produce
Addressing occasional confusion between Hongmeiren and Sichuan Jelly Oranges, Manager Hong clarified, "Hongmeiren is a hybrid of 'Tian Cao' and 'Nan Xiang.' It has a flatter shape, bright orange-red peel with pronounced oil glands, and is more difficult to peel. Sichuan Jelly Orange, also known as Aiyuan 38, is a hybrid of 'Nan Xiang' and 'Xizixiang.' Its peel is easier to remove, its oil glands are less prominent, and its taste and price differ from those of Hongmeiren."
In the face of intense competition in the export market, Manager Hong emphasized, "We manage over 33 hectares of our own planting base, allowing us to control pesticide residues and cultivation standards from the very beginning. We have also introduced advanced sorting equipment from Reemoon to ensure precise grading of the fruit. In addition, we are actively developing domestic sales channels to diversify our revenue streams and minimize risk."
© Fresh Go Produce
Beyond Hongmeiren mandarins, Fresh Go Produce is committed to exporting a wide range of premium specialty fruits, including fresh bayberries, niche lychees, pepino melons, and green jujubes, with the goal of bringing more high-quality Chinese produce to global markets.