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
17 Apr 2024
Initial results show that the Attract & Kill strategy combined with multifunctional nets can reduce the use of insecticides while providing effective protection. The programme will continue in 2024 with the extension of the experimental field in Vignola.
25 Feb 2026
In January 2026, Chile’s cherry exports fell to 1.227 billion dollars, below the record levels of 2024 and 2025. China absorbed 88% of total shipments, while the 2025/26 season posted lower figures compared with the previous campaign and the recent overall export trend.
17 Apr 2026
A study on sweet cherry grown in Northern Greece examines transcription factors PaWRKY57 and PaNAC29, highlighting their key role in fruit growth, color development and in the molecular mechanisms regulating ripening in non-climacteric fruit species.
17 Apr 2026
CEAF research shows that rootstock and variety combinations influence drought tolerance in cherry trees in Chile, where rainfall is sharply declining. The study highlights strategies to improve water use efficiency and irrigation management in extreme climate conditions.
