Quality is undoubtedly the priority for the Chilean cherry sector, where varietal replacement is one of the key elements. An example of this is the Cherry Burst™ variety, developed by Bloom Fresh, characterized by very early maturity, producing large-sized fruits with a brilliant dark red color.
In an interview with Frutas de Chile, Antonia Sánchez, International Technical and R&D Manager at Bloom Fresh, stated: “This year, Cherry Burst™ was shipped to the Chinese market by air, which allowed it to be one of the first varieties to arrive at its destination.”
“This is the first shipment of this variety, and we are working closely with our clients to introduce and promote it in the market. We are also in constant contact with them to receive their feedback on the variety and consumer behavior, so we can incorporate information on trends and preferences into our analyses.”
As this variety is still in its early stages, it is too soon to make a complete evaluation or definitive analysis of the results in terms of demand and prices. “However, we know that as an early maturing fruit, Cherry Burst™ generates a lot of interest in the market, especially among early-season buyers. We continue to monitor the market response to adjust our strategies and provide feedback to our growers,” explained Sánchez.
Agrícola David del Curto, DDC, planted one hectare of the Cherry Burst™ variety in the Viña María orchard, located in Rengo. “This project reflects the company's commitment to innovation and the development of new varieties in collaboration with growers. They are in their third year since planting and the second year of production,” the company explained.
This season, 4,000 kg of Cherry Burst™ were harvested, meeting the estimates based on the maturity of the trees. For the 2021 plantation, they worked with Vivero El Tambo and Gape, two of the three nurseries authorized by Bloom Fresh. For this season, DDC reported exporting Cherry Burst™, meeting expectations for the second year of production.
DDC explains that, as an exporter, they feel the responsibility to test and evaluate new varieties to see how they perform in the orchards, processes, shipments, and, of course, the markets. “This allows them to provide accurate information to our producers.
This responsibility is part of our commitment to transparency and ensuring the availability of productive varieties that are easy to manage in the field and, of course, capable of generating favorable returns. Additionally, at DDC, we are committed to innovation and staying at the forefront of the industry, always exploring new trends, evaluating the most promising varieties, and anticipating market demands to remain ahead of the curve,” they added.
Increasing volumes, logistics, and maximizing fruit value. These are some of the challenges faced by DDC in the new cherry season. According to the company, “This year, the growth of the sector, as we all know, is expected to reach 60%, while our growth is projected to increase by 80% compared to the previous season. This challenge requires efficient coordination from the orchards and in our operations, ensuring a high-quality process from harvest to export. Our quality and excellence in sorting, grading, and classifying fruits are essential to meet the diverse needs of our clients, maximize fruit utilization, and ensure the best returns for our growers.”
“We face a major logistical challenge, not only due to the increase in volumes but also due to the potential threat of fruit flies. We work rigorously and with commitment in coordination with SAG, shipping companies, and other key players to ensure that our shipments maintain a high quality standard. We have a dedicated team and a commercial office in China that allows us to closely monitor and guarantee excellence, efficiency, and smooth service and shipments,” the company stated.
DDC collaborates with its growers from the orchard to achieve the best yields. The company places great importance on accurate segregation and has equipped itself with state-of-the-art technology, including Cherry Vision 3.0 and 3.5 graders, which ensure a first-class selection process. This enables the commercialization of different qualities and sizes in various markets and sales channels, ensuring good results for the growers.
Source: Más Producción
Image: IFG
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