Rabobank's Gonzalo Salinas is closely monitoring global trends in the cherry trade as the Southern Hemisphere prepares for the 2023/24 season. The industry faces mixed fortunes as 2023 concludes, with challenges in Northern Hemisphere regions and optimism in the South.
Chile, a key Southern Hemisphere player, sees rising cherry production despite initial double-digit growth predictions not materializing. The season began strongly, with exceptional prices for early shipments to China. Chile focuses on early varieties like Santina, Lapin, and Regina, with efforts to diversify markets beyond China to Vietnam, Thailand, and India.
Australia and New Zealand anticipate strong seasons with improved weather conditions. Argentina complements Chile's supply, exploring new varieties. In the Northern Hemisphere, the U.S. recovers from a short crop, while Europe sees high prices due to lower production.
A common trend is the push to expand production windows, especially in the early season, to capitalize on premium prices. Salinas sees potential challenges if Northern and Southern Hemisphere suppliers directly compete. Peru's emergence as a cherry producer is on the horizon, potentially bridging the gap between hemispheres. Despite a few years before becoming a reality, there's growing interest in developing Peruvian supply.
In summary, the cherry industry navigates challenges and opportunities. Chile leads in the Southern Hemisphere, diversifying markets, while the Northern Hemisphere adapts to varying outcomes. Expanding production windows is a shared strategy, and Peru's potential role adds an intriguing dimension to the evolving cherry trade.
Red full article here: Fresh Focus Cherry
Photo: Karsten Bergmann from Pixabay
07 Apr 2025
Argentina closes the 2024/25 season with a historic cherry export record: 7,600 tonnes. Strong demand, high prices, improved logistics and advanced tech, but Chile now seriously threatens competitiveness in both domestic and global markets, raising producer concerns.
06 May 2024
‘In production we find traditional and mechanised processes, but logistics are still mainly manual,’ says Mónica Tierno, general manager of the Valle del Jerte Cooperative Group, ‘although this does not mean that it is slower. Time is against this product’.
26 Jan 2026
The 2025/26 cherry season in China is marked by high volumes, strong logistical pressure and a rapid fall in prices. Chinese buyers are becoming more selective, penalising early fruit and challenging traditional Chilean export models and established commercial strategies.
26 Jan 2026
Over 60 growers and technicians joined Salvi’s High-Density Cherry Orchard Open Day in Monteux, France. The Sweet Series by the University of Bologna was featured, with a focus on pruning, yield, fruit quality, and strategies for modern, profitable, sustainable and innovative orc
