Chinese pomelo campaign off to strong start

China’s Onedayone is reporting a positive outlook for the forthcoming pomelo campaign. Barring extreme weather disruptions, it said yields are projected to show further growth in 2025.

As orchards in Pinghe, a primary pomelo production area, transition out of the blooming period and into the young fruit period, field observations indicate that optimal young fruit density has been achieved under favourable climatic conditions and enhanced agricultural guidance.

Data from the local Bureau of Statistics indicated that Pinghe’s pomelo production increased from 2.2mn tonnes in 2022 to 2.4mn tonnes in 2023. However, El Niño caused a sharp decline in production last year, due to hailstorm during the flowering period and prolonged heavy rainfall during the fruit-setting phase. Together, these led to a 30 per cent year-on-year decrease in production compared to 2023 levels.

Lan Bilong, general manager of Onedayone Group Zhangzhou, said: “Last year, the pomelo industry faced unprecedented climatic shocks. Despite a sharp reduction in Pinghe’s overall production, we ensured stable fulfillment of export orders by leveraging advantages cultivated through years of deep engagement in farming communities, combined with enhanced agricultural management and close collaboration with farmers.

“Now, with the smooth start of the 2025 growing season and climatic conditions remaining favourable, we have made our field investments more systematic. This strategic approach will enhance general supply chain capacity for the current cycle.”

While fruit set has improved, Onedayone said premium-grade fruit remains dependent on careful pest control, rainfall timing, and fruit shape management. “More fruit doesn’t always mean better fruit,” Lan stressed. “To access high-end European and American markets, we apply strict selection standards – focusing on small-sized pomelos with uniform shape, ideal sugar-acid balance, and full compliance with pesticide regulations.”

Beyond its core Fujian base, Onedayone has expanded into multiple new pomelo-growing regions in recent years, using standardised planting systems to enhance consistency and quality.

In Yunnan, early signs point to a successful harvest with uniform fruit shape and balanced density. “Yunnan’s early-maturing pomelos, when coupled with stringent quality management, help us meet client demand for staggered supply and early market launches,” Lan said.

To meet evolving global expectations, Onedayone said it is upgrading across the board – from post-harvest processing to fruit grading and packaging innovation – ensuring a reliable pipeline of high-quality pomelo exports.

“Onedayone remains committed to delivering premium-quality Chinese pomelo products, built on precision farming, operational excellence, and deep collaboration,” Lan said.