Judging from the data released by the origin of Peru, from January to October 2022, the export volume of Peruvian blueberries exceeded the total export volume of 207,000 tons in 2021, a year-on-year increase of 36.4%. The current production season is drawing to a close. Li Donglai, Manager of the Blueberry Division of Higo, reviewed the Peruvian blueberry season.
According to Manager Li, the blueberries exported to China still maintain the characteristics of firm flesh, high sweetness, crispness, a healthy bloom, and the quality is good. At the end of the current production season, the mainstream varieties appearing on the market are Ventura and Bianca. At present, the shipping price of mainstream varieties such as Ventura 16+ reaches about 120 yuan per box (1 kg).
"It is the peak sales season for Peruvian blueberries in China from October to February. Thanks to the window period before a large number of domestic blueberries are on the market, the Peruvian blueberry market is relatively active at this time. Both sales and shipment speed are even more eye-catching than for cherries entering production at the end of the season."
At present, the Peruvian blueberry brands that Higo cooperates with include Agrovision, Camposol, Athos, Alpine, Hortifrut, Agualima, etc. "In addition to these high-quality imported blueberry brands, we also have our own brands of domestic blueberries such as Lan Wo, Blue Friends."
With the relaxation of pandemic controls, consumption has picked up. Although the market conditions for blueberries have improved this season, the export process is also facing many challenges. "At the end of 2022, social instability broke out in Peru which affected the entire industrial chain of blueberries, including production, picking, shipment, and export, to varying degrees. The increase in freight costs and agricultural materials costs at the origin also greatly increased domestic sales. In addition, the delay in picking and the obstruction of domestic traffic caused by the strike have caused frequent delays in the shipment of blueberries and, finally, added more instability to the arrival time and quality of sea freight."
When asked what is the impact of more and more high-end domestic fruit products on imported fruits, Manager Li said: “As China strengthens its support for agricultural development, the types of domestic fruits increase accordingly. The quality has also improved significantly. However, relying on the huge domestic market, the difference in production seasons and the division of consumer groups make domestic and imported fruits in a relatively balanced and complementary state. For example, the arrival of Chilean cherries and Peruvian blueberries is just in time. It makes up for the gap of domestic winter fruits, and at the same time satisfies the dual requirements of domestic consumers for eating fruits and using them as gifts."
The competition in the fruit market has become increasingly fierce after the pandemic. When talking about the company's advantages, Manager Li said: "Our parent company, Zhuang'an Fruit and Vegetables, has one of the largest fruit distribution centers in Jiaxing, including 10,000 square meters of cold storage, and low-temperature sorting and packaging of agricultural products. The packaging station covers an area of ​​5,000 square meters. The advantages of storage, subcontracting, and transshipment of imported fruits have greatly empowered Higo.
"In addition to the advantages of the business park, the Marcos packaging line imported from the UK by Zhuang'an Fruit and Vegetables is used for raw fruit sub-packaging and fresh fruit cutting and processing packaging. The leading technology of high efficiency, safety, standardization, and automation can tailor the packaging and brand labels according to different customer needs. The application of water and vapor-free small packaging technology can effectively extend the freshness and circulation period of fruits, and serve customers in all parts of the country with high-quality fresh fruit, which is of great help to the brand promotion and customer recognition that Higo needs."
"In addition, we rely on the seven distribution centers of Zhuang'an Fruits and Vegetables scattered across the country, and our products are sold in large supermarkets and catering stores such as China Wumart, China Metro, and China Yum Group. We are also the largest fruit and vegetable supplier of China Metro, and one of the five core suppliers of China Hema. Not long ago, we won the "Best Cooperation Award" for China Wumart's annual supplier for our professional channel service capabilities."
For more information:
Higo
Contact: Li Donglai
Email: leo.wei@higofruit.com