Prices for imported citrus and apples are climbing this week, driven by lower arrivals and strong Mid-Autumn Festival demand.
New Zealand Queen apples, which sold for around ¥330 (US$46) per box last week, are now priced closer to ¥350 (US$49) per box. This price increase has pushed up the cost of gift box packaging as well, prompting many sellers to step up their gift-box preparation efforts.
Left: New Zealand Queen apples; Right: South African Cambria oranges
For imported citrus, the flavor of the current batches of South African Cambria oranges has improved significantly. Prices now range from ¥230 to ¥270 (US$32–38) per box, depending on size—an increase of 15%–20% compared with earlier shipments, when taste quality was lower. Traders report that Cambria oranges are selling well in standard large boxes, although gift box packaging has yet to gain momentum. They note that because this year's Mid-Autumn Festival falls later, both imported oranges and apples, two key holiday fruits, are reaching the tail end of their seasons, resulting in fewer arrivals and supporting higher prices. South African grapefruit supply is also tightening as the season progresses. Prices have continued to rise, now reaching around ¥220 (US$31) per box, about 15% higher than at the start of the week.
Left: South African grapefruits; Right: Yunnan Mitchgla apples
Recent container arrivals of Peruvian blueberries have increased supply, leading to price reductions. Current prices are approximately ¥90–100 (US$12–14) per box for 14mm+ and 15mm+ sizes, and around ¥110 (US$15) per box for 18mm+ sizes. Traders report that the smaller, more affordable sizes (14mm+ and 15mm+) are selling the fastest due to their price advantage.
Left: Peruvian blueberries; Right: Xinjiang plums
Prices for other seasonal fruits for the Mid-Autumn Festival remain relatively stable, with sales momentum still moderate. Some traders expect demand to accelerate after September 15. Products with lower prices or a higher price–performance ratio continue to sell faster. For instance, Qiuyue pear gift boxes are commonly packed in 2kg small boxes and 3.75–4kg large boxes. Traders note that when the small box is priced at roughly half the cost of the large box, it sells well; if priced higher, buyers tend to favor the larger box.
Mid-Autumn Festival Seasonal Fruits and Gift Box Packaging
Xinjiang plums remain among the best-selling fruits. Arrivals from Jiashi have slowed, but supplies from other production areas in southern and northern Xinjiang are gradually entering the market. As a result, overall prices have fallen compared with last week. Currently, 2kg carton boxes are priced around ¥45 (US$6) per box, with some branded products exceeding ¥50 (US$7) per box. Plastic-framed boxes are priced around ¥40 (US$6) per box, down from about ¥60 (US$8) per box last week.