Australian nectarines are entering the Chinese market earlier than normal this year. The fruit is in its highest-sales season.

“Heavy rains in the cultivation regions has adversely affected the taste of the majority of nectarines, rendering nectarines less firm and flavorless in comparison to the previous year’s,” explained Sharon Huang of Guangzhou Faikee Fruit Limited, one of the largest importers of Australian stone fruit. “The outlook for the coming months suggests more rain as well as unstable weather conditions within the areas of production.”

“Key factors for buyers – such as color, firmness and taste are being watched closely. Of the varieties that are available this year, this Diamond Pearl variety stands out due to its perfect quality and taste, attracting quite expensive costs. It is the Polar Kirst variety, a great performer last year has a good texture and firmness. the crispness of its texture in this year’s. Its less sweetness has affected its cost and its sales. In addition, the unique Flavor Pearl variety from The Montague tree is now available on the marketplace, and is recognized for its excellent taste.”

Right: Flavor Pearl variety

Concerning the market price, Sharon noted that due to the present consumer climate and the overall market condition and the current market environment, both the cost for the first shipment as well as prices thereafter are much lower than previous years. “At this moment, a box of nectarines costs around 400 Y, which is about 10-15 less than in the same period in the previous year. The sales are slowing. Of the various varieties of one that is white-fleshed Diamond Pearl with exceptional taste this year is more expensive, and comes with big fruits (#70) more than Y=500 in a box.”

The first arrivals of the season have mainly consisted of small-sized fruit, with the proportion of larger fruit likely to grow with the progress of the season. “The majority of these were sizes #63 and #65 which certain wholesalers would like. But the market in northern Australia which is a major sales area in the production of Australian nectarines, is a demand for greater quantities of nectarines above size #70. A preference for larger size can also affect the pricing and sales of smaller fruit.”

Australian peaches

Australian peaches are also facing similar problems. “The initial arrivals of the peaches had a less than satisfactory taste, however, their quality has steadily improved. However, because of the harsh conditions of the weather in the manufacturing zones, some of the batches are not the firmness desired, an essential necessity for purchasers. Peaches that lack firmness tend to sell at lower price,” Sharon explained.

Australian cherries

Cherries are another important product of Faikee Fruit Limited. According Sharon, according to Sharon her, the latest collection of Australian cherries is comparable in the quality of previous batches however, prices have decreased to around Y=100 for a box. “Last year it was the year that the Chilean cherry market was impacted by shortage of supply and issues with quality opening up an opportunity to purchase Australian cherries that were successful and brought high price. But this year it appears that the availability of Chilean cherries is plentiful however, the overall demand is down as well as the quality of the earliest Australian cherries has been slightly weak, resulting in the decrease in prices.”

Guangzhou Faikee Fruit Limited specializes in the sale of a variety of premium imported and domestic fruits. These include Australian as well as Chilean stone fruit, cherries and New Zealand apples.