Less-than-sweet watermelons are driving prices to the ground in China 

Summer is in full swing, and just as in most of the Northern Hemisphere, it’s peak watermelon season in China. 

However, things are less than sweet for produce sellers this year, as many consumers have noticed that the fruit generally features a dull flavor, less sweetness, and lower overall quality than in previous years. Unsurprisingly, prices for the fruit across the country have plummeted, with some markets offering them for as little as 1 yuan (15 cents).

According to the local media outlet Beijing News, recent consumer complaints are not unfounded. Agricultural experts have confirmed that the overall quality of the fruit has declined this year, with abnormal weather being the main reason.

"What's wrong with watermelons this year?" reads this social media post.

Dull-flavored watermelons? Bad weather is to blame

Ha Xuejiao, Senior Agronomist and Director of the Planting Technology Extension Station in Daxing District, Beijing, pointed out that between May and June, most producing regions in China experienced excessive rainfall and high soil moisture. This, he said, led to juicy watermelon flesh that diluted the fruit’s sweetness, which wasn’t that much to begin with, as insufficient sunlight significantly reduced sugar synthesis. 

The climate is also the culprit for other common physiological issues, experts say. Prolonged rainy weather prevents the vascular bundles from properly degenerating, leaving behind white-yellow flesh with coarse veins. This restricts fruit growth and development, leading to hollow centers. 

Experts emphasized that there is no need to worry about food safety, as watermelons affected by these problems are safe to eat. However, consumers shouldn’t be surprised if they find taste to be compromised.

Low sugar + greater planting area = low prices

Unsurprisingly, the Chinese watermelon market has recently seen a comprehensive decline. 

According to local site Jimu News, the current retail price for the fruit in Wuhan is as low as 1 yuan per kilogram (15 cents), with average prices ranging from 1.4 yuan (20 cents) to 2 yuan (30 cents). 

A local merchant admitted that local watermelons were being sold for 2 yuan per kilo to attract customers and increase sales volume, while the seedless variety went for 3.16 yuan per kilo (46 cents) and rock sugar watermelons for 4 yuan (60 cents) per kilo during June. The Premium Kirin variety was retailing for only 6.56 yuan (nearly $1) per kilo.

Industry insiders say that the recent low prices are mainly due to the expansion of the national planting area, which has increased by about 20 percent compared to last year. The entry of watermelons from various producing areas in late June led to ample supply and intensified competition, directly lowering the retail price of the fruit. 

Entering the high-temperature season in July, demand is expected to continue to rise, but ample supply can cover the market gap, and watermelons priced around 2 yuan will continue to be the mainstream in the market.

*All images by Beijing News.

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