Weekly Market Watch: CNY Lukan Arrives, Stone Fruits Soften & Packham Pears Return

3YY
6 days ago
3 min read

Here is the blog post for Week 1, 2026

Week 1, 2026 | Market Sentiment: Selective & Value-Driven

Welcome to the first market update of 2026. The overall market sentiment remains soft this week, with buyers acting highly selective despite promotional pricing efforts. While volume turnover is slow across many lines, we are seeing clear opportunities in "value" pockets and specific seasonal arrivals that are bucking the trend.

Here is your 3YY executive summary on what’s moving, what’s new, and where the smart money is going this week.

🌟 Executive Summary

The Big News: The Lunar New Year countdown begins with the arrival of China Lukan, adding festive options to the citrus category.
Supply Update: SA Packham Pears have finally arrived, easing the severe supply tightness we saw in late 2025.
Buyer Behaviour: Demand is skewed toward "distinctive" items (like Dragon Egg Lychee) or sharp value deals; mainstream mid-range items are moving more slowly.

📦 New Arrivals & Fresh Seasons

Refresh your inventory with these just-landed items:

China Lukan (CNY): Now available for early Lunar New Year sales, though entering a competitive citrus market
SA Packham Pears: Fresh arrivals have improved availability, helping to cap recent price spikes.
Italian Green Kiwi: Noted as "New Season" in our listings.
China Hami Melon: Expected to arrive next week to fill the gap left by scarce Australian Rock Melons.

🏆 Star of the Week: Australian White Peaches

Despite the generally weak market conditions, Australian Stone Fruits—specifically Peaches—are the standout performers. They are moving relatively well compared to other premium fruits.

Why buy? Quality is performing, and prices have softened slightly, creating a "sweet spot" for value.
Watch out for: Turale Giant Prunes arriving next week, which may add further supply pressure to the category.

📉 Market Movers: Trending Down (Value Buys)

Several key categories have seen price softening due to increased supply or slow market absorption.

Australian White Peaches (25pc):
- Price Drop: Down $1.50/tray compared to last week (W52: ~$22.00 ➔ W1: ~$20.50).
- Insight: Pricing softened slightly to clear volume, making this an excellent promotional item.
Australian Cherries (28mm):
- Price Drop: Down $5.00/ctn compared to last week (W52: $77.00 ➔ W1: $72.00).
- Insight: As the season progresses, pricing is adjusting to encourage movement.
Korean Strawberries (250g x 8):
- Price Drop: Down $3.00/ctn compared to last week (W52: ~$46.00 ➔ W1: $43.00).
China Navel Oranges:
- Trend: Prices have declined from ~$15.50 last week to ~$13.00–$13.70 due to increasing arrivals and slower turnover.

📈 Market Movers: Trending Up & Firm (Supply Watch)

Australian Hass Avocado:
- Trend: Prices remain firm (approx. $31.00 for 28s) with expectations biased upward next week due to replacement costs.
Grapes:
- Trend: Supply is tight, specifically on cheaper pre-pack formats (e.g., 10x500g). The market is currently "premium-heavy," limiting options for budget-conscious buyers.

🔍 Quality Report: What's Eating Best?

Dragon Egg Lychee: Continuing to hold its premium positioning. Unlike mainstream varieties that are softening, this line proves there is still demand for distinctive, high-quality giftable fruit.
USA Envy Apples: commanding premium pricing and quality, though transaction volumes are cautious.

💡 3YY Recommendation

Focus on Stone Fruit & Seasonal Uniqueness.

With the broader market slow, buyers are looking for a reason to spend.

Promote Value: Utilise the price drop in AU White Peaches ($20.50 range) to drive volume.
Highlight Exclusivity: For your premium tier, stick with Dragon Egg Lychees or USA Envy Apples—these are holding their value because the eating quality justifies the price.

Disclaimers: Prices quoted are based on wholesale trading rates for Week 1, 2026, and are subject to daily market fluctuations. Exchange Rate used: 1 USD = S$ 1.29.