The main producing areas of Chinese loquat include Yunnan, Sichuan, Fujian and other places. Among them, thanks to its unique geographical and climatic conditions, the loquat produced in Yunnan is on the market about two months earlier than other producing areas, and the production season is from mid-November to mid-April, reaching its peak period after the end of December.
Yunnan loquat is mostly produced in Mengzi. "The price and sales volume of loquat this year are ideal, the best in recent years," according to Mr. Li Guodong from Mengzi Yousheng Loquat Professional Cooperative, talking to FreshPlaza.
According to Mr. Li, during the growing period of loquat last year, due to the decrease in rainfall, the fruit volume doubled, and after being trimmed by farmers, the overall yield increased by one-third compared with the past. "In previous years, there was more rain in the producing areas, and there was a situation of no fruit-setting. But last year, there was less rain in the flowering period, which greatly increased fruit-setting. In addition, due to less rainfall, the fruit size has shrunk, but the sweetness has increased. This year's quality and taste are better than before."
Yousheng Loquat Cooperative mainly planted Changhong, one of the mainstream varieties of loquat in Mengzi, which is characterized by small size (single fruit weighs about 20-50g), with a high and pure sweetness.
It is reported that the market and sales volume of loquat this season are very ideal. "When loquat first went on the market, the price in previous years was about ￥30/kg, which has more than doubled this year, and the highest price is ￥80/kg. Subsequently, the volume on the market increased and the price dropped, but it was also 50% higher than in previous years.
"For example, in February last year, the price of Changhong loquat was less than ￥20/kg, but this year it exceeded ￥30/kg, and the price is still higher than in the same period of last year. However, the price increase does not affect sales. From the first batch on the market to the eve of the Spring Festival this year, loquat has been in short supply and is still selling well."
Regarding the reason for the impressive sales, Mr. Li analyzed that Mengzi loquat was on the market at a time when the domestic pandemic measures were lifted. At that time, fevers and coughs were more common, and loquat had the effect of relieving symptoms, and it could be eaten fresh or made into loquat paste, so the price was still in short supply. After that, the market recovered obviously. Up to now, the loquat market is still booming, which greatly encouraged local farmers. At present, they are planning to expand over 66 hectares of loquat.
Mengzi Yousheng Loquat Professional Cooperative, with 200 hectares of orchards and factories, mainly planted "Changhong" varieties. Sales channels include wholesale market stalls and supermarkets.