The industry has experienced many changes in Peru in recent years. Among other products, domestic blueberry production has become prolific and larger. FrutaCloud has advanced alongside these developments. «The harvest and production of Peruvian blueberries begins around July and can last until January or even February. Most of the berries are arriving in China by sea. In the past, Peru grew more traditional varieties such as Ventura. In recent years, new varieties such as Mountain Blue, Sekoya and OZblu blueberries have been planted. They are large blueberries, with good conditions, visible flowering and good taste. Flowering is important to Chinese consumers. Partly because the fruit looks fresher, but generally it means that the fruit can last longer," said George Liu, founder of FrutaCloud.

«This year, there are logistical challenges everywhere. Fortunately, we have strong partners around the world with whom we can navigate these times. We are in the middle of the US grape season. The American cherry season is coming to an end. Some product is still arriving by sea, but the season is almost over,” says George Liu, founder of FrutaCloud, an importer and distributor of Chinese fruits. George has just returned from a trip to the United States in which he has worked on the current grape season. The company focuses on the Chinese mainland market, but originates from Taiwan.

«These two crops used to represent a large part of their exports in the Chinese market. But due to tariffs and high logistics costs we were not able to ship as much to China as in the past. "Instead, we focus on Taiwan and Hong Kong, which have different import tariffs."

US cherry season

“American cherries are in demand in the Chinese market, but this year air freight is characterized by high prices and, as a result, total volumes have been reduced by half. “The added costs and fees make everything more difficult.”

imported grapes

«Meanwhile, we are at the beginning of the US grape season, which began in mid-July. Volumes will begin to rise in mid-August. FrutaCloud works with Autumn Crisp and Sweet Globe. At the beginning of the season, we imported Ivory grapes, and we ended the season with Autumn King.”

George continues: “Due to the growth of domestic table grape production in China, US grape exports to China are slightly lower. That said, American grapes are still highly desirable in Hong Kong and Taiwan. American grapes are available until the end of October. Peruvian grapes start in November, so the gap is narrowing. In addition to Peruvian grapes, we also send Chilean grapes.

In addition, the company ships Chilean cherries, apples from New Zealand, Chile and the United States. An interesting dimension of the 2022-23 season is that the Chinese New Year will be celebrated relatively early: on January 22. Getting as much fruit as possible for the New Year will be a challenge for the industry.

Source: freshplaza.com