The agreements at the CIIE continue. On November 6, Hema signed a strategic cooperation agreement with GarcesFruit, the leading supplier of Chilean cherries. GarcesFruit will provide Hema with high-quality and affordable Chilean fruits, such as cherries and plums. At the same time, Hema’s first overseas direct procurement base in Chile has been officially completed.
According to data released by the Chilean Export Promotion Agency, in January this year, Chilean cherry exports reached a record high with a value of $1.555 million, representing an increase of 27.5%, surpassing the record set in 2007. Taking advantage of the increase in consumer demand during the Spring Festival, cherries exported to China accounted for 93%, marking a 30.8% increase compared to the previous year.
GarcesFruit is the largest exporter of cherries in Chile and has access to a vast number of high-quality sources in the country.
Image 1: Herman Garces.
Chen Yanghui, Hema’s National Director of Fruit Procurement and Marketing, stated that due to the production season, the peak sales period for Chilean cherries occurs every year during the Chinese Lunar New Year. The red color itself aligns well with the good luck wishes associated with the Spring Festival, making cherries one of the most popular products for the New Year.
Hema and Jizhi have always been close partners. After reaching a strategic cooperation agreement, Jizhi will establish a “dedicated supply” channel for Hema, control the quality of cherries from the origin, customize packaging for Hema, enhance logistics and transportation efficiency, reduce transit links, and ensure that the cherries are not cooled from the time they leave the fruit trees until they are placed on shelves.
After the two parties achieve cooperation in direct purchases, the supply chain cost for Jizhi cherries from Chile to Hema will be reduced by approximately 5%.
Image 2: Garces Fruit cherries and boxes.
Read the full article: China Agriculture
Images: Garces Fruit
03 Mar 2026
In New Zealand and Australia, rain covers for cherries reduce cracking and boost size but alter orchard microclimate and firmness. Research focuses on humidity, calcium and export quality to support a more climate-resilient cherry export industry worldwide and sustainability.
30 Mar 2026
The cherry supply chain in Apulia, the core of Italy’s production, is falling behind global competitors. Limited innovation, outdated varieties, and weak logistics are slowing growth, increasing the risk of losing international market share to more advanced producers.
31 Jul 2026
An open-source, low-cost dendrometer system tracks trunk growth, water stress and irrigation needs in apple, sour cherry and peach orchards. Built on Arduino, it supports precise, sustainable water management and makes plant monitoring more accessible at commercial scale.
31 Jul 2026
Poland’s cherry season is delivering barely 50% of the 2025 record crop. Frost, drought, extreme heat and heavy imports are squeezing prices and sales, while growers rely on cold storage, premium quality and pick-your-own events to protect margins in a brutal market.
