Frutas de Chile's Cherry Committee kicked off the 2024-25 cherry season in an event that was attended by distinguished authorities and representatives of the sector, including the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Niu Qingbao, and the acting Minister of Agriculture, Ignacia Fernández The event, called Cherry Blossom, took place in Chimbarongo, and it highlighted that the sector expects a historical season with a projected 59% growth over the previous campaign.
Claudia Soler, executive director of the Cherry Committee, announced that they expected to export a record 131,587,007 boxes of 5 kilos of fresh cherries, equivalent to 657,935 tons, this season. Iván Marambio, president of Frutas de Chile, highlighted that the cherry was the star product of Chilean fruit exports, accounting for 27% of the country's fresh fruit exports.
Projections for this season may be subject to change but, based on data collected between 23 September and 1 October 2024, the sector expects it will be a successful season with favorable weather conditions. Soler mentioned that, despite last year's weather difficulties, significant improvements in production and exports are expected this season.
Minister Fernández highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure the Chilean cherry's quality and phytosanitary safety. The increase in cherry plantations between 2019 and 2021 suggests production will increase notably in the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 seasons, with significant export expectations for varieties such as Santina, Lapins, and Regina.
China remains the main destination market, but the country seeks to diversify exports to other markets. Ambassador Niu Qingbao expressed his optimism for the coming season, highlighting the mutual benefits of cherry trade between China and Chile. In addition, the Cherry Committee plans to invest more than $9 million in promotion in key markets, with a special focus on China, the United States, and South Korea, and with plans to expand into India and Brazil.
Source: simfruit.cl