Tim Zhang is director of global purchasing for Zhejiang Sango Trade Co. Ltd. The company markets OZBlu Peruvian blueberries at Fresh Time and RT-Mart in Nanjing.

“This is the first year that we work with OZBlu blueberries. OZBlu blueberries from Peru are available in China from September until now. Both the production volume from Peru and the import volume from China have increased a lot compared to the previous season. The varieties of the OZBlu brand are adapted to the preferences of the Chinese consumer. Typically, Peruvian blueberries are slightly more acidic. The brand's varieties have a high Brix, higher than most imported blueberry varieties with the same seasonality."

“We work under consignment. We are responsible for returns to exporters and carefully balance our market channels for the best returns. Normally, half of our products are sold in the retailers and the other half in wholesalers. The fruit import market has experienced difficult times. With COVID-19, customs inspections are strict and ports are slow. Fortunately, the cherry season has been strong so far, but people wonder what will happen after the Chinese New Year. We are currently busy with Chilean cherries."

The company's specialty is imported fruits, although it also deals in national products, but in much smaller quantities. “In February and May we work with Peruvian grapes, stone fruit from Chile, such as nectarines and plums; Egyptian citrus and Australian grapes. South African citrus arrives later."

“We work as a wholesaler and service provider in China. As a wholesaler, we have 13 branches in the east and southwest of China. In these cities we supply different retailers and we have our own greengrocers called Fresh Time. In Nanjing, where our headquarters are located, we have about 32 stores. Our operation consists of opening a container in a certain market in Eastern China and distributing the volume to the different markets according to the local demand of the different brands and product needs. Our local branches coordinate with the retailerslike supermarkets.

“We sell in wholesale markets and in retailers. Our diversified reach means we can do strong promotions for brands and product placement. Our companies also create the necessary design, materials and kits, creating advantages for the brands we work with. We have many branches covering the east and southwest of China. When we find a good brand, a brand worth promoting, we can spread its influence quickly.”