Australian Oranges Enter The Market While Grapes Failed To Tease Attraction Off-Season

Oranges from Australia are in this season. The cold weather in Australia has brought positive news for some traders; however, others are unhappy with relatively conservative prices. A box of Australian oranges is currently priced at $42-$44. It was a late market launch for oranges this year as compared to last year. Similar markets for other citrus fruits remain untouched. The supply of oranges and grapefruits from South Africa also hit the market, and the sales have been seen rising gradually, with prices ranging from $ 19 - $ 22 per box. It is almost the same as last week. The limited availability of mandarins from Australia and South African sweet oranges was also seen at the market stalls.

Whereas the grapes are off the season and are arriving in lesser quantities for sale. The market for imported grapes was recorded as inactive. Traders have witnessed a significant drop in Australian Crimson per box as compared to the same time in the previous year. The box is sold at $15 per box currently. Some of them are carton-packaged and are priced even less. The reason for sluggish sales is most likely the weak terminal sales, which directly affect the whole procedure. The grapes are not of excellent quality in firmness and freshness. However, the locally produced grapes are comparatively in good condition and have entered the market greatly also at lower prices. This has also impacted the sales of imported grapes.

Coconuts are also arriving slowly, and demand is very high due to the hot weather. More demand has created a great sales market. Right now, Thai coconuts are sold at the price of $10 for each box. Extra-large Vietnamese coconuts are priced at $8.95 per box. The traders believe that market acceptance is minimal due to the cost being relatively high for Vietnamese coconuts. Market acceptance will be balanced with the prices, and it should be less than the large Thai coconuts to maintain the profit margin.

Durian hit the market considerably compared to last week, but due to the holidays, the sales are affected, and the market is weaker now. Right now, the Monthong Thai durians are priced at US $89 - 96 per box. The prices are down by $2 to $4 from last week. Traders have noticed a slight increase in sales due to the recent events in the area; however, the sales remained almost the same.

Last week, more domestic fruits entered the market, such as Xinjiang apricots and winter jujubes from Dali. These fruits are early in production and come at a slow pace. Shoppers can also spot seasonal favorites such as loquats from Sichuan and peaches from both Yunnan and Sichuan. Loquats are generally large-sized, and some are even packed in attractive gift boxes for a premium touch. Meanwhile, pineapples are widely available, but sales have been sluggish. That said, one variety of Mango Pineapple (Tainung No. 23) has stood out this season. It’s been in high demand and has fetched premium prices, reaching up to around US$24.80 per box at its peak.