For Macfrut 2023 it was an honour to host during the WS cherry tree Prof. Marlene Ayala of the Catholic University of Chile, the person in charge of the main genetic improvement project on the cherry tree, started in 2010 and carried out in the largest cherry exporting country in the world, as well as the third largest cherry producer in the world and, so far at least, among the first importers of technological and varietal innovations.
Thanks to PMGC, the breeding programme supported by ASOEX - Consorcio Tecnologico de la Fruta and CORFO, a group of Chilean fruit producers and exporters, by 2030 Chile will be able to grow its own varieties and, probably, start exporting not only cherries but also new plant patents!
Below is the video of the report presented at Macfrut 2023.
They will invest in tests in Arica, a northern region of Chile bordering Peru, and also in Brazil, where a professional, Bloom Fresh, will start exploring alliances to look for areas that can produce these fruits.
Raúl Orellana highlights that “firmness and the green color of the stem are key attributes for Chinese consumers,” as a brown stem is perceived as a sign of loss of freshness.
Star Produce will bring Just Picked British Columbia cherries to North America, Asia and Europe from late June. Supported by spring crop recovery, the season is set to deliver larger sizes, premium quality, solid export demand and higher volumes than the past two years.
Prolonged rains in Moldova are worsening the sweet cherry season: after spring frost hit Kordia, Regina and Ferrovia, fruit quality, yields and 2026 exports also face fresh pressure, while small growers deal with fruit cracking, lower marketability and weaker local prices.