Key Points
- Pakistan seeks direct access to China’s retail citrus market
- Kinnow export season begins on December 1
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is seeking to increase orange exports to China by developing direct supply links with major Chinese retailers, aiming to expand market access for its horticulture sector.
The Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) recently facilitated business-to-business talks between Pakistani citrus exporters and Freshippo, a Chinese retail platform, to explore direct supplies of fresh Pakistani Kinnow to Chinese consumers.
The discussions focused on requirements for international retail buyers, including product quality, consistent supply, competitive pricing and efficient logistics.
Pakistani exporters presented their sourcing networks and post-harvest facilities, highlighting their grading, packing and cold-chain capabilities.
Another China-Pakistan meeting in November
The participants agreed to hold another meeting in November 2026 to discuss quality specifications, potential supply volumes, pricing and logistics ahead of the new export season.
Pakistan produces around 2.4 million tonnes of citrus annually, with Kinnow accounting for a major share of the country’s citrus production and exports.
Greater access to China’s retail market could provide Pakistani growers and exporters with an opportunity to reach consumers through more direct commercial channels and establish longer-term supply relationships.
READ ALSO: Pakistan Raises Orange Export Target to $110 Million
Pakistan’s Kinnow export season is scheduled to begin on December 1, 2026, making the planned November meeting important for finalising commercial arrangements before shipments begin.
The initiative is part of efforts to diversify Pakistan’s horticultural export destinations and strengthen links with major international buyers.
Direct engagement with large retailers could also encourage improvements in product quality, packaging, traceability, cold chain management and post-harvest handling.
China’s large consumer market offers significant potential for Pakistani citrus exporters, but sustained access will depend on their ability to meet buyers’ quality, supply and logistical requirements.
The planned November meeting is expected to provide greater clarity on supply volumes, specifications and commercial terms for potential Kinnow shipments during the 2026-27 export season.
