The industry has experienced many changes in Peru in recent years. Among other products, the national production of blueberries has become prolific and larger. FrutaCloud has moved along with these developments. “The harvest and production of Peruvian blueberries begin around July and can last until January or even February. Most of the berries are coming to China by sea. In the past, Peru grew more traditional varieties like 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 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 United States grape season. The American cherry season is coming to an end. Some produce 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 where 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 on the Chinese market. But due to tariffs and high logistics costs, we couldn't 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 airfreight is characterized by high prices and overall volumes have halved as a result. The added costs and fees make everything more difficult.”

imported grapes

“In the meantime, we are at the start of the US grape season, which started in mid-July. Volumes will start 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 finished the season with Autumn King."

George continues: “Due to the growth in domestic table grape production in China, US grape exports to China are a bit lower. That being said, American grapes are still highly desirable in Hong Kong and Taiwan. The 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