IPOH: Older consumers continue to favour the traditional honey ponkan (honey mandarin) oranges, while younger buyers are gravitating towards the newer “jelly mandarin” variety, which is seedless, fibre-free and known for its extra juicy texture.
Joey Hu, a supervisor at a wholesale store, said the traditional honey ponkan long associated with Chinese New Year remains the top choice among older customers, who prefer its classic taste and symbolism.
She said the fruit continues to be widely purchased for religious offerings and customary visits.
“However, a newer variety known as the ‘jelly mandarin’ is gaining popularity, especially among the younger generation.
“This variety is seedless, fibre-free and notably juicier, making it easier and more enjoyable to eat,” she said when met at her shop in Jalan Toh Puan Chah here yesterday.
Hu said the jelly mandarin is sold in gift packs containing eight pieces per box, with prices varying based on type and size.
She said the jelly mandarin gift packs are priced at between RM28 and RM35 per box, while honey ponkan oranges range from RM15 to over RM60, depending on size grades such as M, L XL and XXL.
“Most of the citrus fruits are imported from China, with ponkan sourced from Fujian province and jelly mandarins from Sichuan.
“We ordered about 15 containers so far this season for the different types of mandarin oranges, although not all shipments have arrived,” she added.
Hu said other imported fruits such as tangerines, cherries and special pears are also available, with tangerines described as a favourite across all age groups due to their sweetness and easy-to-eat size.
A customer at the shop, who only wished to be known as Lam, 65, said she preferred “red oranges”.
“These oranges need to be sliced and cannot be peeled.
“When I want to purchase gifts, I will buy the mandarin oranges.
“But for personal and family consumption, I always buy the ‘red orange’ type,” she said.
At another shop in Pasir Puteh, honey mandarins from China are selling at lower prices this year, leading to brisk sales.
A worker named Siaw Jun Hong said the supply from China has increased significantly compared to last year, allowing traders to offer more competitive prices to customers.
The shop currently offers the mandarins in four sizes, with prices ranging from RM14.80 to RM22.80 per box.
The RM14.80 and RM17.80 boxes are among the most popular options.
“The fruits are sweet and this type of honey mandarin is well-known among customers. Since the price is cheaper, demand is also higher,” he added.
The retailer said sales have picked up strongly over the past week.
“With Chinese New Year nearing, we expect even more customers.
“Mandarins are our main focus now, although we do sell other fruits,” he said.
