New market for Gilgit-Baltistan cherries, Pakistan: first shipments to China

10 Jun 2024
1243

With a Chinese market worth 3 billion dollars and an annual demand of about 350,000 tons of cherries, this development is set to revolutionize the agricultural landscape for cherry growers in Gilgit-Baltistan.

On June 5, the first shipment of six tons of fresh cherries was sent to China in a reefer container, announced the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

This important milestone marks the beginning of a promising export relationship between Pakistan and China, facilitated by the phytosanitary agreement signed between the two countries in 2022. This agreement granted China access to the Pakistani market for the export of fresh cherries, opening up a new opportunity for local growers.

With a Chinese market worth 3 billion dollars and an annual demand of about 350,000 tons of cherries, this development is set to revolutionize the agricultural landscape for cherry growers in Gilgit-Baltistan. The region, known for its high-quality cherries, will greatly benefit from this new export avenue.

Over 100 cherry orchards, along with a cold storage and a packing center in Rahimabad, Gilgit, are now registered with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). This registration ensures that the cherries meet the stringent quality and safety standards required by the Chinese market, thereby guaranteeing the best prices for Pakistani farmers.

According to the Department of Agriculture of Gilgit-Baltistan, the region produces about 5,000 tons of cherries per season. The new access to the Chinese market is expected to significantly boost this production, as more farmers will adopt advanced agricultural practices and improve cultivation techniques to meet the high demand.

The CEO of TDAP, Zubair Motiwala, expressed optimism about the future of cherry exports from Pakistan. “The growers will be the main beneficiaries of cherry exports,” he stated, highlighting the efforts of TDAP and PHDEC to fully capitalize on the vast Chinese market, which has a population of 1.2 billion people. This development not only promises increased income for farmers but also positions Pakistan as a key player in the global cherry market."

Source: Pamir Times
Image: SL Fruit Service


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Amy Cohn (Cherry Market Institute): the challenge of combining tradition and global market

Markets

24 Jan 2025

Cohn said that despite the challenges faced by tart cherry growers—from price fluctuations to rising production costs and the impact of climate change on the industry—there are several positive trends to highlight in the sector.

Good news for New Zealand: export growth of over 30% expected

Markets

15 Jan 2025

The president of the Central Otago Fruit Growers Association, Kris Robb, stated that the quality of this season's cherries is exceptionally high. “We’ve had mixed weather so yields vary from orchard to orchard, but overall this season looks better than the last one".

In evidenza

New cherry packing plant in Ñuble (Chile): Dole and Mañío join forces for global export

Markets

22 Apr 2025

Dole partners with Mañío to launch a state-of-the-art cherry packing facility in San Nicolás, Ñuble. A $12M+ investment aimed at boosting export capacity and entering new markets. The project will create up to 400 direct jobs in the region.

Fruit quality and cracking susceptibility in three sweet cherry cultivars

Quality

22 Apr 2025

A Romanian study analyzes the correlation between fruit quality and cracking in three sweet cherry cultivars: Special, Tentant, and Severin. The results highlight significant differences in weight, pH, color, °Brix, and cracking index, with implications for varietal selection.

Tag Popolari