The vessel loaded with New Zealand kiwifruit arrives at Damaiyu Port. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

The vessel loaded with 5,682 metic tons of New Zealand kiwifruit, arrived at Damaiyu Port in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, on May 11, marking the beginning of this year's import season for New Zealand kiwifruit.

As soon as the vessel docked, officials of Taizhou Customs conducted quarantine inspections. For the imported fruits, Taizhou Customs conducted tests for pesticide residues, heavy metals, and other harmful substances to ensure the safety of the fruit.

"The main variety of kiwifruit arriving this time is the New Zealand's top brand — Zespri kiwifruit. These fresh kiwifruit will be divided into two batches, with half going to Shanghai and other areas, and the other half stored at the Damaiyu Port International Fresh Cold Chain Center, to be distributed nationwide based on sales performance," explained Hong Fangkuan, general manager of the Taizhou subsidary of Sino Trans PFS, adding that there will be four more kiwifruit shipments arriving until September.

The company plans to open a Southeast Asian route in the future to import more Southeast Asian fruits through the Damaiyu Port.

In recent years, there has been a continuous increase in consumer demand for high-quality imported fruits. As a significant designated port for imported fruits in Zhejiang province, the Damaiyu Port imported 22,500 tons of New Zealand kiwifruit in 2024, valued at 500 million yuan ($69 million), accounting for 80 percent of the annual import and export volume of agricultural and aquatic products.