On December 8, the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (Frutas de Chile) hosted a grand ceremony at the Guangzhou JNH Wholesale Market to mark the arrival of the first direct vessel of Chilean cherries for the 2024/25 season. This event symbolized the official launch of Chilean cherry sea transportation for the season. Distinguished attendees included Iván Marambio, president of Frutas de Chile; Claudia Soler, executive director of the Chilean Cherry Committee of Frutas de Chile; Zheng Nanshen, general manager of Guangzhou Jiangnonghui Market Service Management Co. Ltd.; Zhao Zhi, vice general manager of Guangzhou Jiangnonghui Market Service Management Co. Ltd.; and Gonzalo Rubilar, ProChile's Trade Commissioner in Guangzhou.
The season's first direct vessel, Seaspan Belief, departed from the port of Valparaíso, Chile, on November 15. After a 23-day voyage, it arrived punctually at the port of Hong Kong at 7 a.m. on December 8. Following customs clearance, the cherries were swiftly transported to Guangzhou, completing a streamlined "farm-to-market" cold chain delivery.
That afternoon, representatives from Frutas de Chile participated in a live session on the Douyin Supermarket platform, engaging with viewers and promoting Chilean cherries. Later in the evening, over 1,000 traders, wholesalers, and consumers gathered in the import section of the Guangzhou JNH Wholesale Market to witness the celebratory arrival ceremony. The event was broadcast live on Douyin, drawing a nationwide audience eager to experience the excitement.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ivan Marambio, President of Frutas de Chile, expressed his enthusiasm: "We are especially excited to be here tonight to celebrate the first Chilean Cherry Express vessel of the 2024/25 season arriving smoothly in China. This is a significant milestone for our cooperation and a symbol of the continuous strengthening of trade ties between Chile and China. Today, over 82 million people worldwide enjoy Chilean fruits every day. This season's cherry campaign, themed "Get Hooked on Happiness," reflects both the exquisite taste of our cherries and the joy they bring."
Claudia Soler, Executive Director of Frutas de Chile's Chilean Cherry Committee specially introduced the mascots of Chilean cherries: "The three cherry mascots, Sansang, Binbin and Nana, represent the three most popular Chilean cherry varieties — Santina, Lapins and Regina. Each mascot has its own unique personality, embodying enthusiasm, positivity and fun, which perfectly capture the spirit of Chilean cherries. We hope they bring joy to families across China."
Zheng Nanshen, General Manager of Guangzhou Jiangnonghui Market Service Management Co., Ltd., also addressed the attendees. He noted that the arrival of the vessel marks another significant milestone in the collaboration between the two countries and expressed his anticipation of even greater success for Chilean cherries in the 2024/25 season.
As cheerful flagbearers danced their way through the venue, a container full of fresh cherries arrived at the ceremony. The guests unveiled the cherries, sharing the fresh fruits with the audience and pushing the celebration to its peak.
According to Frutas de Chile, the 2024/25 season is set to achieve record-breaking production, with exports projected to increase by 50% compared to the previous season. The estimated export volume is approximately 124.5 million boxes (5 kg each), equivalent to around 620,000 tons globally.
Zhao Zhi, Deputy General Manager of Guangzhou Jiangnonghui Market Service Management Co., Ltd., commented on the market outlook: "This season, air-shipped Chilean cherries were relatively limited this season and sold out upon arrival. With sea freight shipments now entering the market, we anticipate a 30% increase in arrivals at our market compared to the previous season. To ensure smooth operations, we've held multiple seminars to optimize market traffic flow and facilitate the rapid entry of container vehicles. Additionally, we're expanding fruit trading areas to enhance efficiency. The cherries cleared at our customs station will be distributed promptly to wholesale markets, retail stores, and supermarkets nationwide, fully aligned with the Association's promotional efforts."
Chilean cherries, "Get Hooked on Happiness". This season, efforts to expand promotional campaigns in regional urban markets and penetrate lower-tier markets will ensure Chilean cherries find their way onto more winter tables across China.
Source: Fruit Exporters Association of Chile (Frutas de Chile)