The new harvest of Rong’an Kumquats, a variety of kumquats that comes from Guangxi, China, officially started on November 8 due to the high demand, which has driven up costs. In comparison to the previous seasons the prices have increased by between 8% and 10%, which is a reflection of the increasing demand for this super fruit. “In the past few years Rong’an’s kumquats have attracted much attention, particularly the 3rd generation of crispy honey Kumquats. The price of retail for premium fruit has been up to Y=200 for a kilogram” added Ms. Li Yingyi of Guangxi Rong’an Mayi Agriculture, sharing information about the crisp honey Kumquats.

The popularity of Rong’an’s sweet honey kumquats is due to their superior quality and smaller scale of plantation within the region of production. But, growing this kind of fruit will require a substantial investment. the initial cost ranging between Y=375,000 and Y=450,000 for a ha, contingent on the facilities configuration, which includes frost-proof greenhouses. Furthermore, fruit trees can take up to three years before they produce fruit, and need precise cultivation, yields per hectare of 30,000 kgs currently being the lowest. This, along with high-tech barriers make the fruit’s production exclusive.

Rongan kumquat standardisation cultivation base

Despite problems, the demand for honey kumquats that are crisp has been growing substantially. Small-scale farms with 1.3-1.5 acres have proven to be more profits due to precise monitoring and well-organized control. However, bigger farms within Rong’an and its surrounding regions frequently have losses because of poor control of the fruit trees.

Although the production zones in the surrounding areas have been growing, the fruits are not as good in terms of sugar quantity, flavor as well as texture – when compared with those that are grown in Rong’an. Researchers believe that the difference could be due to the unique microclimate, its terrain, or the higher accumulation of temperature.

Apart from the growing circumstances, Li also highlighted the growing market popularity of the variety particularly within East as well as South China, Guangdong, as well as export markets such as Guangdong and the U.S., where prices exceeded $20 per pound this year.

The price decreases as cherries flood the market in December. However, it increases throughout this New Year gift season.

Concerning the new season Li explained that, while the growth in production has increased as fruits mature, the lack of rain this year has led to a decrease in high-end fruits. Medium-sized fruit dominating.

With a look ahead, Li expressed optimism about future prospects for the business, highlighting strategies to boost services such as a continuing partnership with Disney to create co-branded products as well as custom packaging. The new facility, which covers 1 hectare, set to go live in the middle of December, is expected to boost output daily by 40 percent, which will boost productivity for the remainder of the kumquat ripening season. The Rong’an cultivation will be in line with increasing markets, which is boosting confidence in the future of the industry.

Mayi Agriculture, known for its “Dajuyiding” brand is also enhancing its packaging and plans to expand the export market to Canada, Dubai, and the Saudi market.