Quality and quantity from South America: Chile and Argentina prepare for Chinese New Year

Before the start of the season, the Chilean cherry industry had forecast a record harvest of over 130 million boxes. Although the record will still be surpassed, the forecasted volume has dropped to 124 million boxes, representing a 50% increase compared to last season. “The downward adjustment is the result of a significant decrease in fruit in some early and mid-season varieties, including Lapins, and suboptimal pollination conditions for Regina,” says Richard Isaacs of Global Fruit.

Although Chileans are very positive and truly believed in the possibility of harvesting, packing, and shipping 130 million boxes of cherries within three months, the revision of estimates might not be a negative development. “The harvest will be more manageable, which is better for the industry,” commented Isaacs. “It also increases the hope that prices will remain stable.”

The first ocean container has arrived in China

The quality of the fruit has been good. The early Santina variety provided a solid start to the season in terms of fruit size and condition. “Now we are moving full speed ahead as we enter the peak season.” For some destinations, this means a shift from air to sea transport.

China, which buys over 90% of Chilean cherries, received the first sea container last week, and hundreds more are expected to follow. This is the best time for cherry shipments to reach China before the Chinese New Year (CNY) on January 29.

The first cherries transported by air arrived in the United States and Canada in mid-October, and since then, Global Fruit has continued to ship cherries weekly to its retail partners in North America. “We will continue to have air arrivals until the end of the year, while the first sea arrival is scheduled for December 16,” Isaacs stated. The switch to sea transport will make cherries more affordable and allow retailers to advertise and promote sales.

Image 1: South American cherries in Global Fruit-branded bags.

Exceptional quality from Argentina

While Chile is the leading cherry-producing country, Argentina also holds an important position in the market. “We work with several growers and packers in Argentina and started shipping Santina cherries by air in early November,” Isaacs said. From the Mendoza region, air shipments will continue until the third week of December."

"Additionally, in the Rio Negro Valley, cherries are being harvested, followed by Los Antiguos. The climate in this unique growing region is similar to the cherry-growing regions of British Columbia. “Cool nights, warm days, clean water, and a long growing season make Los Antiguos cherries very special.”

Harvesting here will start between Christmas and New Year and will continue until February, with sea arrivals extending into March. Some customers prefer to purchase only air-shipped cherries, and from Los Antiguos, we can accommodate this demand until February, although most cherries will still be shipped by sea.”

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