Cherry exporters from around the world have made a mint in China in recent years, and now local growers want a piece of the action.

The gap in supply between the end of the Southern Hemisphere deal and China's regular cherry season has given rise to new trend - greenhouse-grown cherries from the country's north.

"Prices are still fluctuating. As early as late February some of these cherries have hit the shelves at the price of CNY200-400 (US$30.70-46.10) per kilo for wholesale," explains Mr. Zhang of Dalian Jingcheng Eco-Cherry Park.

"Since then, the price has been adjusted downward steadily, but still, it is at a premium level."

The greenhouse cherries from Dalian will stay on the shelves until late May.

"Overall, this year's Dalian cherries are much the same as last year, especially those grown in greenhouses," says Zhang

"We have taken good care of these cherries, so various weather conditions have only had minimal impact on the growth of these cherries throughout the season."

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