China enters a phase of high segmentation for avocados

The Chinese Hass avocado market went through a particularly complex period in September. Prices fluctuated exceptionally widely, sales volume became inconsistent, and the coexistence of fruit from China, Kenya, and Peru meant that origin alone was no longer sufficient to explain market behavior.

The main feature of the month was something else: quality became the real market divider.

While certain batches of rough-skinned fruit reached prices close to RMB 50 per 4 kg box, smooth-skinned batches in better condition managed to maintain prices above RMB 120. This difference, more than double within the same week, shows the extent to which the Chinese market is becoming more selective.

Two additional factors significantly impacted September: a long holiday season in China, which considerably reduced trade, and a series of blank sailings and delays from Chancay that limited Peruvian exports. While these latter factors did not determine the prices observed in September—fruit takes approximately three to four weeks to arrive—they are shaping the landscape of Peruvian supply.

much smaller for the following weeks.

Week 36: The market begins September with a significant correction

Week 36 began with 4 kg boxes trading between RMB 50 and 100, while 10 kg presentations moved within a range of RMB 140 to 220.

Compared to the highs recorded during August, the adjustment was significant.

The market had been experiencing weeks where scarcity had allowed prices to reach up to RMB 150 for 4 kg and around RMB 300 for 10 kg, so September began showing a clear normalization.

26 containers left Peru for China.

Week 37: Fruit peel divides the market

Week 37 probably left the most important trading signal of the month.

The overall range for 4 kg boxes was RMB 50 to 130, but that range was directly related to the condition of the product.

The rough-skinned avocado was mainly traded between RMB 50 and 80, while the smooth-skinned fruit managed to reach levels of RMB 120 to 130.

The 10 kg boxes also showed better performance, reaching up to RMB 250–260.

The difference is too large to be considered merely a normal market variation. What was emerging was practically a different price structure for each fruit category.

At one end was the product that competed primarily on price.

On the other hand, a limited offer of better presentation capable of maintaining a considerable premium.

Only 12 containers left from Peru.

Week 38: Various origins and thirteen days of festivities disrupt the commercial dynamics

Week 38 presented one of the most chaotic scenarios of the period.

The 4 kg boxes registered values between RMB 30 and 110, reflecting a market with significant differences between quality, inventory age and the need to sell of each receiver.

This week, the fruit available mainly came from China, Kenya, and Peru, increasing the options available to buyers.

But the main limiting factor was the schedule.

The market entered two major holiday periods almost consecutively, totaling around 13 days. As is typical when business activity declines for extended periods, inventory turnover slowed considerably.

Under these circumstances, price formation becomes less transparent.

Some retailers need to clear inventory before the closings, while

Others prefer to wait, generating wide differences even between seemingly comparable fruit.

Only 4 containers left Peru, again affected by a blank sailing from Chancay.

Week 39: Little movement and stability within a still fragmented market

Week 39 maintained virtually the same structure. 4kg boxes continued within a range of RMB 30 to 120, while 10kg boxes of good quality managed to reach levels of up to RMB 230.

André Vargas
Global Procurement Manager South American Express Co
Commercial Director at Fruwer Produce LLC
avargas@fruwer.com