As temperatures rise, imported cherries are gradually receding from the market, making room for an expanding presence of domestic large cherries. In mid-March, Beijing's Xinfadi Fruit Market welcomed substantial quantities of domestically grown cherries, primarily sourced from greenhouse cultivation sites in Dalian, Yantai, and other regions.
Zhang Yuelin, the general manager of Beijing Xinfadi Market, expressed that due to advancements in technology and increased management expertise, the quality of domestic large cherries has markedly improved. Attributes such as Brix levels and firmness have seen notable enhancements. As imported cherries tapered off the market post-Chinese New Year, domestic large cherries swiftly filled the void, drawing significant interest from buyers seeking fresh produce.
Presently, the primary production hubs for domestic large cherries available at Xinfadi are centered in Dalian and Yantai, predominantly cultivated within greenhouse environments, with Meizao being the predominant variety. Fruit merchant Liu Wenpo of Xinfadi remarked that demand for domestically produced large cherries surged notably after February. The top-selling variety, 4J, hails from Dalian, Liaoning, priced at approximately ¥140/kg. Liu added, "The sales season for domestically grown large cherries can extend up to 5 months, typically until around June 1st."
Tong Wei, Xinfadi's marketing director, noted that domestically cultivated large cherries primarily originate from the Bohai Rim region, hitting the market during spring and summer annually. During winter, imported cherries predominantly feature in Xinfadi's market offerings.
According to data from the General Administration of Customs, over 90% of China's imported cherries in 2023 originated from Chile, with New Zealand and the United States constituting other significant sources. With ongoing technological advancements, premium agricultural products like domestic cherries, blueberries, and strawberries are poised to claim a larger market share in the future, presenting consumers with more choices and growers with both opportunities and challenges.