GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA: Those celebrating Chinese New Year can expect sweeter Mandarin oranges, with the price dipping between 15% and 20% over last year due to a bountiful harvest in China.

The drop in demand for lokam in China, attributed to the global economic slowdown, has also caused a surplus of the fruit, causing the price to plunge.

Importers said Chinese New Year revellers can expect better quality lokam, especially the medium-sized ones from the Yong Chun district in Fujian because of good weather and better technology used to produce the fruits.

Sunshine Wholesale Market Sdn Bhd general manager Yee Kam Ming said this year's excellent weather had played a big role in the bountiful and sweeter harvest.

"The skin texture for the lokam is better with stronger aroma, especially for the medium and large fruits. This year's harvest was also 20% better than the last season."

He said Malaysians would benefit from low global demand for Fujian lokam and the surplus in China.

"The Chinese farmers have no choice but to export the oranges at a lower price."

He said the public can expect large lokam to be priced at about RM10.50 for a 4kg box and RM22.90 for a 10kg box of medium-sized oranges.

Another major Penang lokam importer, who declined to be named, said Malaysians preferred Fujian lokam over Teochew oranges.

The first container of 3,250 cartons of lokam from Yong Chun imported by Sunshine wholesale Market arrived on Dec 23.

The company will be importing between 18 and 20 containers before Chinese New Year Day on Jan 26. --THE STAR