China’s cold-sterilisation requirement for South African fruit is having a devastating effect on fruit quality and damaging the import deal, say some importers.
Shanghai importer T&G Global says sourcing South African grapes is extremely challenging this season. Meanwhile, importer Berda Fruit’s managing director Xudong He says the low temperatures of the cold treatment are hugely damaging to the fruit.
“This protocol is a real issue for South African grape imports,” he says.
The problem is keenly felt by shippers because demand for imported grapes remains strong in China in the aftermath of Chinese New Year.
Chilean and Australian grapes are now coming on stream, says He.
Other imported fruits available in late March to April include mangosteens, durians and longans from South East Asia; Chilean apples and plums; South African pears and lemons; US apples, citrus and lemons; Egyptian valencias; Spanish navels; Italian kiwifruit and French kiwifruit.
