PMGC the new Chilean cherry breeding project
19 May 2023
For Macfrut 2023 it was an honour to host Prof. Marlene Ayala of the Catholic University of Chile, the head of the main genetic improvement project for cherries started in 2010 in Chile..
Recently, in China, the so-called "cherry freedom" has spread, an expression indicating the ability of many consumers to buy this fruit without worrying about the cost. This phenomenon is due to a drastic drop in prices, made possible by an exceptionally abundant harvest in Chile, the main exporting country of cherries to the Chinese market.
Traditionally, cherries in China have been considered a luxury good, a symbol of economic well-being and social status. Their price was often very high, exceeding 100 yuan (about 13.75 dollars) per 500 grams.
This made them accessible only to a portion of the population, who purchased them mainly on special occasions. However, thanks to the current abundance of supply, their price has dropped significantly, reaching about 30 yuan per half a kilo.
This price drop has made cherries much more popular, with an increase in demand ahead of the Lunar New Year, a time of the year when red fruits are particularly sought after because they are associated with prosperity and luck. In markets and supermarkets across the country, cherries have become a mass-consumption product, no longer reserved only for those who could afford to spend high amounts.
The reaction on Chinese social media was immediate: many users shared images and enthusiastic comments, celebrating the ability to buy the fruit without having to calculate their budget. The term "cherry freedom" has gone viral, with numerous posts highlighting how, for the first time in years, the fruit is within everyone's reach.
However, this sudden accessibility of cherries also reflects a more complex economic reality. In recent years, many Chinese consumers have reduced spending on non-essential goods due to economic uncertainty, declining incomes, and a less stable job market.
The decline in demand for premium products and the increased focus on prices are signs of a shift in consumption habits, linked to a less favorable financial situation for many families.
Nevertheless, for now, consumers seem to simply be enjoying the moment, taking advantage of this opportunity to savor cherries guilt-free. Sellers, in turn, are benefiting from the increase in sales, while Chilean growers, despite seeing their margins shrink, continue to focus on the vast Chinese market to place their products.
Source: South China Morning Post
Image: China Daily
