From Chile to China: The Rise of Cherries in the Asian Market

The Chilean cherry market continues to grow by leaps and bounds. During the 2023-2024 season, Chile exported over 410,000 tons of this fruit, a remarkable increase that quadruples the figures from a decade ago, solidifying its leadership in the sector.

According to Álvaro Sepúlveda, a researcher at the Pomology Center of the University of Talca, Chile has maintained its position as the leading exporter of cherries in the Southern Hemisphere for over a decade. This is largely due to the high demand from China, where cherries have a special meaning during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

“Our country has very favorable conditions compared to potential competitors, including a well-established fruit industry and highly profitable cultivation,” Sepúlveda emphasized, in statements gathered by the University of Talca.

The Chinese market values cherries for their association with well-being and good fortune, frequently using them as gifts. The main consumer demands include high quality, excellent appearance, taste, firmness, and large size. However, the biggest challenge is the distance between the two countries, as the fruit must remain in optimal condition during a 20 to 35-day journey.

“The goal of producers is to reach the Asian market as soon as possible to obtain better prices. This involves using cultivars with low chilling requirements and seeking earlier production areas. That’s why cherry plantations can now even be seen in Ovalle,” Sepúlveda explained.

Climate Change and Technology: The New Challenges

In addition to the strategy of anticipating the market, Chilean producers are also facing the effects of climate change. “In early production areas, winters with little cold can affect production. Although the volumes exported are so large that the effects of the climate are not yet noticeable, we must prepare for the coming years,” the researcher warned.

One of the key tools in this preparation is Artificial Intelligence, which enables the generation of agroclimatic data and statistics. This information is crucial for understanding the behavior of new cultivars in non-traditional growing areas.

Innovations in Varieties: Meeting Market Demands

During the Cherry Expo, organized by the University of Talca and ANA Chile, new varieties were presented that aim to meet the demands of the Chinese market and overcome the logistical challenges posed by the distance.

Lorena Pinto, head of Pomaceous Products and Cherry Trees at ANA Chile, emphasized that one of the main challenges is reducing travel times to the Asian market. “It’s crucial for producers to know the storage capacity of these varieties, regardless of whether they are shipped by air for earlier arrival,” she explained.

To optimize this logistics, ANA Chile simulates the maritime journey the fruits take, evaluating their performance after 30 or 35 days of transport. Some varieties, such as Nimba, Nipama, and Pacific Red, are ideal for air shipments due to their early ripening, although they face restrictions due to the fruit fly.

The most cultivated varieties will yield significant commercial results this season and pave the way for future projections. By 2025, the incorporation of new options like Nipama and Sweet Stephany is expected, which are still in the trial phase but could be planted in commercial orchards next year.

With a combination of innovation, technology, and adaptation to climate change, the Chilean cherry industry is well-positioned to face future challenges and continue conquering the Chinese market.