Published on: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 |
Apparently this important item has also become a victim of what is going wrong with the world's weather. Extreme weather in the two countries it mainly comes from - China and Taiwan - has resulted in less abundant supply. Hence, they also cost more this time around.
Fruit dealers were recently informed that China has stopped its shipment of mandarin oranges (lokam) and tangerines (mini lokam) for the season, following complaints from importers that earlier supplies were rotten by the time they reached their destination.
Depending on size and quality, there are three different prices for the select lokam (also called China sweet lokam) - a box of 56 medium-sized (M) oranges costs RM23.80 while 40 large ones (L) are priced at RM26.80 per box and 40 extra-large ones (XL) would cost RM28.80 a box.
"The unusually cold weather in China and snowfall spoiled the oranges," said a Wholesale Mart representative. A box of 54 medium-sized honey mandarins which cost RM22 last year is now priced at around RM24 each.
At the Kent Fruit Shop in Taman Foh Sang, Luyang, a box of XL Jingxuan mandarin oranges costs as much as RM30.
Its boss Kent Sih Chua Khen said the recent cold weather in China and hurricane in Taiwan in August last year forced him to raise the price slightly.
On why the Taiwan Ponkan is more expensive than mandarin oranges, he said it has a better quality.
It costs RM35 per box.
"The supply is limited and I have to follow the world market price," he said.
Shopper Liew Lu Min said she preferred the Taiwan Ponkan to China's mandarin oranges.
"The quality is better and it is more juicy.
The proof is in the taste," she said.
