Mandarin oranges, one of the must-have items for Chinese New Year, are not immune to market price increases.
Despite significantly lower shipping costs, the retail price of this fruit is expected to rise this year.
The large-sized mandarin oranges will cost more this time, according to a local trader who only wanted to be identified as Lau, citing a less-than-bountiful harvest due to weather factors as the main reason.
“Due to the persistent drought last year, there was a very small production of larger-sized mandarin oranges.
“Therefore, the price has increased significantly, as it is difficult to source for the larger-sized oranges,” she told Borneo Post Online.
Lau also mentioned that the shipping cost for each container with refrigeration was US$7,200 (RM31,500) last year, but has dropped to US$4,200 this year (RM18,370).
According to a survey conducted by The Borneo Post yesterday, larger varieties of mandarin oranges were priced between RM15 and RM20 per kg, while smaller and lower-grade varieties were priced between RM8 and RM13 per kg.
Among the larger varieties, the “Lukan,” prized for its succulence and sweetness, and the “Ponkam,” imported from Taiwan, are the most popular.
The mandarin orange, with its bright colour and round shape resembling the sun, is regarded as one of many auspicious items in Chinese culture, symbolising abundance and happiness.
The exchange of a pair of mandarin oranges between a visitor and a member of the hosting household is one of the traditions that is still practised today.
This represents the desire for the two sides to exchange blessings and good fortune.
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