The open-field Dongkui bayberry harvest has recently begun in Xianju, China. "Due to snowy weather from February to March, this year's production is lower than last year's. Some orchards experienced snowfall during the flowering period, causing flower freeze damage and reduced fruit yield. However, the overall quality, taste, and size of the bayberries remain unaffected and consistent with previous seasons." Mr. Ying from the Xianju County Junlang Cooperative noted that their base is currently busy harvesting the new season's Dongkui bayberries.
"Market prices are currently similar to last year and have not been significantly affected by the drop in production," he continued. "Domestic order volumes are roughly in line with previous years, while overseas orders are slightly lower than the same period last year. In recent days, market response to the arrival of Dongkui bayberries has been enthusiastic, and supply is falling short of demand. Since the season has only just begun, a clearer picture of demand will emerge closer to the peak period."
Mr. Ying pointed out that in recent years, counterfeit Xianju bayberries have had a serious impact on the local market, with the issue particularly severe this year. "Xianju has been developing greenhouse bayberry production, which allows for a limited quantity to reach the market as early as mid-May, earlier than the open-field harvest in early June. Greenhouse bayberries typically sell at a premium. However, some traders have been passing off bayberries from other regions as Xianju greenhouse bayberries and selling them online at lower prices. This not only damages the reputation of authentic Xianju bayberries but also disrupts the market, forcing genuine growers to sell at lower prices or face slow sales. Ultimately, it undermines growers' motivation to continue planting."
To help consumers identify authentic Xianju bayberries, Mr. Ying explained: "The local authorities have issued an official 'Xianju Bayberry' certification to local growers. Agents, online vendors, and wholesalers can obtain authorization for this certificate from legitimate growers in Xianju. This remains the most effective anti-counterfeiting measure to date. We encourage consumers to ask sellers whether they have this certificate when buying Xianju bayberries online. In addition, our cooperative plans to utilize short videos featuring our orchards and me to publicly demonstrate our identity as genuine bayberry growers from Xianju."
Xianju bayberries in gift boxes
The Xianju Junlang Cooperative focuses on the cultivation and sales of Xianju bayberries under the brand name "Junlang." Sales channels include e-commerce platforms and trading companies. The cooperative also partners with import and export firms to ship bayberries by sea to markets in Brazil and Southeast Asia.