South African Pears Thrive on China’s Off-Season Market

South African apples and pears have now entered a stable arrival period in China. Renowned for their diverse varieties and consistent supply, South African pears have successfully bridged the market gap during China’s domestic pear off-season in spring and summer. Shanghai Shengguo Trading Co. Ltd., a long-time importer of South African pears, has established a strong presence in this segment. Jason Liu, the company’s international procurement manager, recently provided insights into the current domestic sales performance of this popular fruit.

Liu noted that this year’s South African pears began arriving as early as January and are expected to be available through November. Despite a slight reduction in supply leading to increased import costs for popular varieties such as Forelle, market competition has helped keep retail prices relatively stable compared with last year.

The primary pear varieties imported by Shengguo are Cheeky and Forelle, with Forelle standing out in terms of sales. According to Liu, “This is primarily due to its appealing appearance, crisp texture and sweet taste when fresh, which develop into a soft, delightfully glutinous sweetness as it fully ripens — traits that resonate strongly with Chinese consumers. Additionally, Forelle’s long shelf life facilitates transportation, storage and in-store display.”

Liu also noted that South African pears face significant competition from Chilean and Belgian pears in the imported fruit market. Additionally, their nearly year-round availability is challenged by the abundant supply of domestic pears during the autumn and winter seasons.

The distinct taste of South African pears sets them apart from domestic varieties, making them particularly appealing to adventurous consumers. Liu recommends that retailers highlight these unique qualities, particularly their crisp sweetness and distinctive flavor, to guide consumers. Small-box packaging can also enhance visual appeal, attracting shoppers who appreciate aesthetics. Hosting tasting events allows customers to experience the crisp texture and delicate fragrance of the pears firsthand, helping to attract new buyers. Additionally, retailers should provide storage advice based on each variety’s characteristics, ensuring that consumers can enjoy the pears at their peak ripeness.

To expand the consumption scenarios for South African pears, Liu suggests that retailers offer a range of varieties and specifications to cater to diverse consumer needs. Efforts are also underway to enhance both online and offline promotional activities, leveraging e-commerce and community group buying platforms. These initiatives aim to inspire consumers to explore new ways to enjoy South African pears, thereby boosting their recognition in China.

Logistics is another critical factor affecting the distribution and quality of fruit. In recent years, the South African fruit industry has actively collaborated with major ports to improve logistical operations. Liu said that key ports such as the Port of Cape Town have upgraded their equipment and streamlined processes this year, easing port congestion and reducing transport delays compared with last year. The efficiency of cold chains has also improved. Although global freight rates remain volatile, overall sea freight costs have slightly improved since last year.

Drawing on years of experience importing and selling South African pears, Liu is optimistic about their growth potential on the Chinese market. This year, Shengguo plans to further expand its imports, with a particular focus on increasing the volume of Forelle pears. Additionally, the company is exploring the introduction of more distinctive South African varieties to diversify its product offerings and better cater to the varied demands of different distribution channels.

According to a forecast made by Hortgro Pome for the 2025 season, South African pear exports are projected to reach 21.1 million cartons, reflecting a 4% increase compared with 2024. Exports of Forelle and Abate Fetel pears are expected to grow by 7%, while the Packham’s Triumph variety is anticipated to see a 2% rise. Additionally, summer pear varieties such as Cheeky, Celina, Rosemarie and Sempre are forecast to achieve higher export volumes than last year.

Images: Shanghai Shengguo Trading Co. Ltd. (main image and body images one and two), Hortgro Pome (body images three and four)

This article was translated from Chinese. Read the original article.