MANDARIN orange wholesalers are running out of stock for the smaller fruit as consumers stay away from the larger, premium ones for Chinese New Year, amid the Covid-19 pandemic and weak economy.

Wholesalers have also cut the usual orders in view of the gloomy climate, anticipating modest consumer spending for the lunar new year that begins on Friday for 15 days.

Kuala Lumpur Fruits Wholesalers’ Association president Chin Nyuk Moy said the cheaper oranges are almost sold out but the better quality and more expensive ones are still in the market.

“Wholesalers purchased less stock and almost all the cheaper ones are gone, while the more expensive ones are still available,” she told The Malaysian Insight.

Wholesalers have reduced their orders due to the economy. Chin estimates that only 50% of mandarins are usually available in the market in pre-Covid-19 times.

They are also not expecting big profits from sales this year but hope to at least cover costs.

“The market reaction is still better than we expected. I originally thought we would barely sell anything,” Chin added.

Mandarin oranges are a symbol of gold and given as gifts during Chinese New Year as a way to wish recipients happiness and prosperity.

David Pang, a mandarin orange seller whose stall is in Ampang, said he ordered less than he usually did in previous years and his stock is almost gone, just a few days before Chinese New Year.

Customers who buy oranges late might find they have little choice left and would have to pay more, he said.

“This year it won’t be a case of unfinished stock. I think sellers can sell out their stock but customers will have fewer choices.”

Another merchant from Kajang, Koh Jun Kang, said he is still seeing demand for mandarin oranges, although at a much lower volume than before.

Retailers have also cut their orders from container-loads to lorry-loads.

“Personally, I am not expecting to sell a lot this year. I only bought 3,000 boxes this year, and now I have only a few hundred boxes left.”

Despite retailers’ caution, they are still stuck with unsold fruits, mostly cheaper ones.

In past celebrations, middle- to high-end mandarins were the most popular.

Consumers are also not buying in bulk or boxes by the dozens, unlike before, Koh added. – February 10, 2021.