Group 1: High Prices of Cherries - The first batch of cherries this winter is priced around 1000 yuan per box in Beijing's Xinfadi market, making it unaffordable for many consumers [1][3] - The high price is primarily due to air freight costs, which account for nearly half of the selling price, as these cherries are considered premium products arriving via air [3][5] - The market for cherries shows significant seasonal price fluctuations, with the highest prices occurring from late October to November, and a sharp price drop expected in mid-December when sea-freighted cherries arrive [5][9] Group 2: Supply Chain and Preservation - The cherries are preserved using nitrogen sealing technology, which delays oxidation by isolating the fruit from oxygen, and the entire transport process is managed under cold chain conditions to maintain freshness [5][9] - The first sea-freighted cherries are expected to arrive in mid-December, potentially reducing prices from around 1000 yuan to 200-300 yuan per box, making them more accessible to consumers [9] Group 3: Domestic Cherry Market - Domestic cherries, which ripen in summer, provide a more affordable alternative to imported cherries, although they face challenges due to specific climate requirements for growth [7] - Major domestic cherry cultivation areas include Yantai in Shandong and regions in Shaanxi, which are crucial for meeting local demand [7]