Chinese consumers applaud falling Chilean cherry prices

In a surprising twist for the Chinese fruit market this winter, imported cherries have become significantly more affordable, with prices dropping by nearly 50 percent compared to previous years, thanks to an abundant supply. This trend has captured the attention of both consumers and retailers during the peak gift-giving season preceding the Spring Festival.

According to data from the Xinfadi wholesale market in Beijing updated on December 31, Chilean cherries are being sold at prices ranging from 18 yuan ($2.46) to 45 yuan per jin (0.5 kg), depending on their size and quality.

Chile, the main supplier, accounts for nearly 90 percent of the imported cherries in China. “Favorable weather conditions in Chile led to an exceptional harvest, and the expansion of cultivated areas has resulted in an oversupply in the Chinese market. We expect prices to continue falling as more shipments arrive in the coming weeks,” said Zhang Yuelin, general manager of Xinfadi.

According to Jiemian, a Shanghai-based news portal, the price collapse was further triggered by the arrival of the first batch of large shipments of Chilean cherries on December 26 at the Port of Tianjin. The ship carried approximately 8,000 metric tons of cherries in 380 containers.

The increased shipping volume, combined with lower transportation costs, resulted in a 30 percent price reduction for premium varieties like double jumbo and triple jumbo cherries compared to early-season prices, Jiemian reported.

Retailers were quick to capitalize on the price cuts. “With cherries becoming more accessible, they are now an attractive holiday purchase, ideal for both family consumption and as a gift,” a Wumart spokesperson said. The retailer also stated that it had optimized its supply chain to ensure freshness and meet the growing holiday demand.

The sharp decline in cherry prices has become a hot topic on Chinese social media. On platforms like Weibo, discussions on the topic “Why have cherry prices dropped so sharply” have trended, reflecting growing consumer interest in purchasing cherries at affordable prices.

The cherry harvest in Chile usually peaks between December and February, coinciding with high demand during the New Year and Spring Festival seasons, said Jason Yu, general manager of CTR Market Research.

“Traditionally considered a luxury good symbolizing prosperity, cherries have long been a popular gift choice in China,” Yu said. However, Yu noted that with the continuous price drop, cherries are becoming a more accessible product for daily consumption.

“The price drop reflects a change in consumer habits. While cherries were once considered a luxury fruit, consumers are now open to purchasing domestic alternatives or other affordable fruits,” Yu stated.

For consumers like Viviana Sun, a mother in Shanghai, lower prices are good news. “My kids and I love cherries, and they’re a great gift to serve guests. Now that they’re cheaper, I can buy them three times a week instead of just once,” she said. Wang Jing, the mother of an 11-year-old child in Beijing, said she would wait.

“Everyone in my WeChat group has been talking about the price drop for cherries and sharing tips on where to find the best deals. I plan to buy some for the Spring Festival, but I’ll wait a bit longer to see if prices drop further,” she said.

Read the full article: Wang Zhuoqiong, China Daily
Images: China Daily; Descubriendochina.com

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