China and other Asian markets have the capacity to absorb the increase in volumes of Chilean cherries, says Danny Guo, GM of JWM Asia. However, he cites quality control, channel diversification, and targeted marketing as key factors for success.
According to last season's forecasts, the Chilean cherry crop will grow by nearly 60% in the 2024/25 season. China is expected to absorb most of this extra production.
Does China have the capacity to consume the volume increase without a significant depreciation in prices? Is there sufficient packaging, shipping, and logistics capacity to handle and ship this type of volume?
Danny Guo: JWM Asia is excited about the upcoming Chilean cherry season. Together with the team from Joy Wing Mau China, we have actively prepared our distribution platforms to be leaders in cherry distribution in Asia. Last year, supply was impacted by weather conditions, so the increase this year appears even more significant. To cope with this growth, the industry has made structural investments on the production front.
Regarding shipments and logistics, significant progress has been made to avoid bottlenecks, using different ports for cherry express ships and ensuring fast distribution.
What do you consider the keys to a successful season?
There are several key factors. First, quality control is essential. As long as the shipment arrives in good condition, the fruit should continue to flow, even at lower prices. Secondly, diversifying sales channels is crucial to growing the business sustainably. Further efforts are needed to penetrate different market segments.
Finally, marketing efforts will be essential. Due to the current economic climate, consumers are more selective in their spending. Our local teams are working closely with our partners to plan these tactics, including collaborations with various retailers in the region.
Do you see other Asian markets like Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, and India absorbing a larger share of the Chilean cherry crop this year?
With the growth of sector volumes, diversifying markets is crucial. Each market has a different level of maturity. India represents a significant growth opportunity for the Chilean industry. Efforts have been made to improve logistical solutions.
Read the full article: Fruitnet
Image: Fruitnet
24 Sep 2024
‘The fruits are in formation and are taking on a reddish colour in some early varieties,’ said Aníbal Caminiti, ‘We have had a significant accumulation of cold hours. The Patagonia area exceeds the cold accumulation of the last six years by 15%'.
25 Jun 2024
As of 1 June, 2024 production was estimated at 37,000 tonnes, an increase of 10% over the previous year and 21% over the average harvest from 2019 to 2023. The start of the campaign is in line with last year, with bad weather reducing the market supply.
09 Jun 2026
Tart cherry juice clarification with PES membranes and pectinase-based enzymatic pretreatment improves clarity and stability, limits fouling and protects polyphenols, anthocyanins and antioxidants, offering useful guidance for more sustainable and efficient processing methods.
09 Jun 2026
In Chile’s cherry orchards, the University of O’Higgins combines AI, LoRaWAN sensors, computer vision, hyperspectral imaging and 3D models to estimate yield, fruit size, ripening and microclimates, improving quality, harvest planning and agronomic decisions.
