Chile has strengthened its position as South America's leading cherry supplier to China, achieving sustained growth and effectively adapting to international demands. In the 2023-2024 season, Chile exported a record more than 377,000 tons of cherries to China, surpassing the figures recorded in previous years and consolidating its dominance in the global market. This success is partly attributed to the adoption of advanced technologies in cultivation and harvesting, which improve the quality and efficiency of production. Collaboration between the public and private sectors has also played a crucial role, facilitating access to new markets and optimizing the supply chain to ensure the delivery of fresh cherries in optimal conditions.
The Chilean cherry varieties preferred in China include the Bing, Lapins, and Rainier cherries, each valued for their unique characteristics in size, sweetness, firmness, and flavor. These varieties have been adapted to withstand transport and storage conditions, meeting the quality standards demanded by the Chinese market and contributing to Chile's success in Asia
The price of Chilean cherries in the Asian giant varies according to variety, quality, and season, ranging from 150 to 200 yuan per kilogram (approximately 22 to 30 US dollars), which reflects the perception of luxury and exclusivity of these fruits in the Chinese market. Growing demand has driven prices up, and consumers are willing to pay more for fresh, high quality produce. Effective marketing and promotion campaigns have contributed to the consolidation of Chilean cherries as a desirable and exclusive product in China.
Source: larepublica.pe