Tung Shing Fresh Fruit brings high quality blueberries from new South-East Asian supply origin
The first Laotian blueberry exports to Hong Kong have hit supermarket shelves with an encouraging response.
Fruit trading company Tung Shing Fresh Fruit sourced the first commercial shipment from Laos in Week 52 of 2025. CEO Leo Lai says the company worked with a vertically integrated grower in Laos, who manages nursery, production and post-harvest, to deliver high quality fruit.
“Our focus has been on larger calibre fruit (18+ and 22+), aligned with Hong Kong’s higher-value segment. Shipments are handled via dedicated cold-chain airfreight to protect arrival condition and eating quality,” Lai told Fruitnet.
“The programme is based on world-class genetics delivering large-size fruit consistently above 13 Brix with high crunch and flavour. In our view, this quality profile is key to establishing Laos as a credible, consistent origin for Hong Kong and the rest of Asia.”
Managing director Scotty Lee said that ensuring these quality standards had garnered a positive reception from the Hong Kong market.
“Retailers have responded well, especially on crunch, sweetness and shelf-life. In blind comparisons, the fruit has held its own against leading Moroccan arrivals in the same marketing window, which is a strong benchmark,” said Lee.
“Of course, shipping from a tropical environment by air isn’t simple, especially at smaller volumes. Cold chain discipline is critical. That said, arrival quality so far has been stable, and the grower has been diligent in fine-tuning post-harvest handling as we move through the first shipments.”
As Laos’ blueberry industry continues to grow, Lee said it has the potential to find a place in Asia’s increasingly competitive blueberry market.
“Laos isn’t going to become relevant overnight. Like any emerging origin, it comes down to disciplined variety selection and execution – particularly in post-harvest and logistics,” said Lee.
“Where it makes sense is in the high-end December–February window in Asia, when the market is looking for high-brix, firm fruit. If that quality can be delivered consistently, there’s definitely a place for it.
“The early signs are positive. Now it’s about building carefully and making sure the foundations are solid before scaling upwards.”
For now, Tung Shing is focused on building a sustainable premium programme out of Laos rather than pushing volume at the expense of quality.
“As production regions like Morocco, Peru, and Mainland China become more crowded and grower returns fall, it will be fascinating to see which pioneers begin developing new areas in South-East and Central Asia to fill supply gaps and deliver quality to consumers,” said Lai.
“We know our partners in Laos have plans for significant expansion over the next few years and we’ll grow alongside that, provided quality holds as volumes increase. That’s always the real test for a new origin.
“If we can continue to build on the foundations we are laying this year, there is every chance for Laos to grow in significance as a premium production region.”
