In the last decade, Chile has experienced a steady increase in cherry production due to the profitability of the crop and strong demand. According to the USDA, for the marketing year (MY) 2024/25, Chilean cherry production is expected to reach 500,000 metric tons (MT), a 6.8% increase compared to the previous year.
This growth is expected despite the challenges faced in MY 2023/24, where a warm winter and a rainy spring led to a slight decline in production of 0.2%. The adverse weather conditions impacted cherry yields, highlighting the delicate balance necessary in agricultural production.
However, the outlook for MY 2024/25 is more optimistic, with favorable winter rainfall and sufficiently low temperatures, both of which are crucial for cherry development.
Image 1: Volumes of cherries imported from Chile into the USA.
In addition to the overall increase in production, Chilean cherry export volumes are expected to rise by 7.6%, reaching 445,000 tons in MY 2024/25. This anticipated growth underscores Chile's strategic focus on expanding its presence in the global cherry market, particularly in China.
The expansion of cherry orchards has been a significant factor in this growth. In MY 2024/25, the cultivated area for cherries is expected to reach 67,000 hectares (HA), a 5.5% increase compared to the previous year.
Image 2: Prices of Chilean cherries in the USA.
Given the delicacy of cherries, which are prone to damage due to handling and high temperatures, the packing process has been largely automated to minimize physical damage to the fruit. Producers and exporters are making concerted efforts to streamline harvesting and packing processes to ensure cherries are ready for export as quickly as possible.
All U.S. domestic product prices represent the spot market at the shipping point (i.e., packinghouse, refrigerated warehouse, etc.). For imported fruit, price data represents the spot market at the port of entry.
Read the full article: Agronometrics
Images: Agronometrics
21 Apr 2025
Discover BioMagnet Ruby, the sustainable and innovative solution to protect cherries in Italy from the pests Drosophila suzukii and Rhagoletis cerasi. Preventive action, no maintenance, guaranteed crop quality. Also ideal for other red fruits.
30 Nov 2023
After obtaining unanimous approval from INIA's Regional Committee for the Release of New Varieties, S-21 will go through the registration process with the Chilean Agriculture and Livestock Service next year to become a commercial variety.
03 Nov 2025
Tru-Cape's 2025 cherry season kicks off early in Ceres under near-perfect conditions. Yields expected to rise 5–7%, with fruit exceeding 25° Brix. Export markets show strong interest. New varieties, expanding shipments, and a focus on sustainability define this season.
03 Nov 2025
The harvest of Sweet Aryana® PA1UNIBO cherries began on October 27 in Peumo, central Chile. With a 30 mm size and 18° Brix, the fruits show great market potential. ANA Chile® focuses on quality, uniformity, and an early export window for premium cherries.
