Review of the Development of the Canned Fruit and Vegetable Industry in China in 2024
In 2024, China's canned fruit and vegetable industry continues to evolve in response to a rapidly changing global market. With challenges such as rising costs and increasing competition, the sector is focusing on high-quality development, continuous product innovation, and exploring new ways to enhance productivity. This year, the industry has seen significant progress, as well as some challenges, with an ongoing emphasis on transformation and adaptation to the shifting demands of both domestic and international markets.
Stable International Market Position
China remains a strong player in the global canned fruit and vegetable market. According to customs data, the country exported canned fruits and vegetables to 195 countries and regions in 2024. The total volume of canned products exported reached 2.8507 million tons, which remained largely consistent with the previous year. This highlights the stability of China’s position in the international market despite various external pressures.
The proportion of export single products:
Of the total exports, 792,700 tons were canned fruits, marking a 7.9% increase compared to the previous year. In contrast, canned vegetables experienced a slight decline, with 2.058 million tons exported, representing a 2.52% decrease year-on-year. This indicates that while canned vegetables faced some challenges in the international market, China’s dominance in canned fruits remains strong, especially with products like lychees, pears, and pineapples, which continue to see robust demand.
Despite the complicated international environment, China's canned fruits and vegetables industry has shown remarkable resilience. The stability of exports at historically high levels, even amid market fluctuations, suggests that China’s position in the global market remains formidable. The country's ability to consistently supply high-quality products means that its position in global trade is unlikely to be easily replaced by other countries in the near future.
Product Price Fluctuations in the International Market
In terms of export value, 2024 saw a 21.42% year-on-year decline in the total export value of canned fruits and vegetables, bringing the total to approximately $3.859 billion USD. This drop can be attributed to a range of factors affecting the international market, including changes in production costs, shifting demand, and market saturation.
Among the products, canned fruit exports showed a modest increase of 0.49%, totaling $1.179 billion USD. However, canned vegetable exports experienced a notable decline of 28.3%, bringing their total value to $2.68 billion USD. This decline is largely due to the price fluctuations seen across several key canned products. For example, the price of ketchup, which experienced a rapid rise in recent years due to increased demand, has begun to stabilize as the international market reaches saturation. Similarly, the price of canned mushrooms and other vegetable products dropped, contributing to the overall decline in export value.
Despite these fluctuations, the export prices of certain key products, such as lychees, pears, pineapples, and bamboo shoots, saw price increases. This indicates that, while certain product categories experienced price declines, others benefited from higher demand and better market positioning.
The fluctuations in product prices can be attributed to a combination of factors: international market demand, production costs, competition, and supply chain dynamics. In the long run, as Chinese canning enterprises continue to improve production efficiency, enhance product quality, and optimize production equipment, the overall competitiveness of China’s canned food products is expected to increase. With continuous improvements in quality and safety standards, Chinese canned products are likely to see better price positioning, even as global competition intensifies.
A Shift Toward Healthier Competition in the Domestic Market
In China’s domestic market, the canned fruit and vegetable sector has experienced a noticeable shift from price-based competition to a more diversified and quality-driven approach. In previous years, the industry was primarily focused on price competition, with little emphasis on innovation or differentiation. However, in 2024, the market has seen a growing focus on quality, packaging, taste, and content innovation as key factors for competitive advantage.
One of the notable trends in product innovation is the rise of canned stewed pears, which have gained significant popularity among consumers for their unique taste and convenience. Additionally, companies have been paying more attention to the aesthetic appeal of their products, with new, visually appealing packaging designs that emphasize convenience. Small packaging bowls have become increasingly popular, offering a more compact and user-friendly option for consumers.
The demand for canned vegetables, which offer excellent storage and safety, has been steadily increasing, particularly for products such as tomatoes, bamboo shoots, and corn. These products are not only practical but also provide essential nutrients, making them attractive to health-conscious consumers. Similarly, niche varieties like canned lychees have also seen greater acceptance in the domestic market.
As Chinese consumers become more discerning, companies are responding by focusing on brand building and marketing efforts. Online and offline channels have been used more effectively to promote products and build brand loyalty. Marketing campaigns now focus on the convenience, health benefits, and versatility of canned products, aiming to appeal to the broader spectrum of consumer preferences.
The move away from a price-based competitive environment has also led to a more health-conscious and consumer-oriented market. As consumers prioritize quality over price, the industry is adapting by producing products that cater to evolving tastes and preferences. This shift marks a significant step toward a more sustainable and beneficial market that emphasizes innovation over simple cost-cutting.
Conclusion: A Year of Transformation and Growth
In conclusion, 2024 has been a year of transformation for China’s canned fruit and vegetable industry. Despite challenges like rising costs and fluctuating international market conditions, the industry has remained resilient, with China's position in the global market for canned fruits and vegetables still going strong. The focus on high-quality production, product innovation, and diversified competition in the domestic market has paved the way for continued growth and development.
As the industry moves forward, there will likely be an increased focus on improving efficiency, product quality, and market competitiveness. With these changes, China’s canned fruit and vegetable sector is poised to continue thriving, both domestically and internationally, in the coming years.
