Traders lament dip in mandarin orange sales despite lower prices ahead of CNY

 

Trader Lau Ming Hui says his sales have dropped by nearly 40% despite cheaper prices of mandarin oranges this year.

PETALING JAYA: With just two days left until the start of the Chinese New Year celebration, traders say that mandarin orange sales have been lower this year despite the cheaper prices.

Speaking to FMT, one of them said that mandarin orange prices had dropped by 10 to 20% due to an increase in supply from China, where favourable weather conditions had led to a boost in harvest.

Lau Ming Hui, 58, who operates in Bukit Jalil, gave the example of his “XL” oranges which are going for RM30 per box of 20, compared to RM40 previously.

“Despite the price drop and better quality compared to last year, the demand this time has decreased by nearly 40%.

“Orders from companies or factories have also decreased. If it remains quiet, we will have to further lower the prices to ensure that we can sell out,” he said, adding that sales began on Jan 20.

Mandarin oranges are a significant part of Chinese New Year as they are considered symbols of good luck, abundance, and happiness.

They are often displayed as decorations or given as gifts when visiting family and friends to symbolise the sharing of abundance and good fortune.

A trader in Kota Damansara who introduced himself as Tan agreed that mandarin orange sales this year had been affected, possibly due to customers adopting a more thrifty attitude.

“I will close my stall on Friday, and I will sell the existing stock… without adding more supply,” Tan, 46, said.

“Many other traders are facing the same issue. (Perhaps) the economy is not doing well. Business used to be better,” he said.

Homemaker Cheng Boon Teng, 44, said she bought only one box of mandarin oranges this year for prayer ceremonies.

“I didn’t buy much as it’s better to save money for the upcoming festive feasts. The prices of food items have increased now,” she said.

Lim, a hardware store owner in Puchong, said he, too, had cut down on his spending. While he bought 40 boxes of oranges last year for distribution to his employees and customers, this year he bought only 25. - FMT