Shipment delays and market saturation: more post-harvest research is needed

19 Feb 2025
289

The researcher from the INIA Quilamapu Fruit Quality Laboratory emphasizes the importance of understanding the optimal conditions for preserving cherries intended for export. This is to avoid losses due to prolonged storage and potential logistical failures during transportation.

The recent failure of the ship Maersk Saltoro, which was transporting 1,363 containers (about 5 million boxes) of Chilean cherries to China, has highlighted the vulnerability of the fruit industry. The vessel suffered a main engine breakdown on January 13, drifting in the Pacific Ocean.

The delay in its arrival, scheduled for January 20, was particularly critical for the distribution of fruit in China. This event demonstrated the importance of optimal management of post-harvest preservation.

Dependence on the Chinese market

The situation is worsened by the high concentration of the Chinese market, which accounts for over 90% of Chilean cherry exports. This oversupply has led to a significant drop in prices, affecting producers' profitability.

The incident could result in millions in losses for Chilean producers, compromising the quality of the cherries during a critical period. They were supposed to reach the market just before the Chinese New Year, celebrated between January 29 and February 12.

Although the containers have an electric power supply to maintain the cold chain, prolonged storage has negative effects on the fruit. The loss of freshness affects quality and market acceptance.

Post-harvest research

In this regard, the fruit quality researcher at INIA Quilamapu, Cristián Balbontín, highlighted the importance of post-harvest research to mitigate these risks.

“Parameters such as firmness, color, and stem dehydration are crucial for product acceptance in international markets. Additionally, physiological disorders such as pitting (bruising), leathery skin, and internal browning can develop during extended storage.”

Balbontín emphasized that the Fruit Quality Laboratory at INIA Quilamapu has been studying the impact of storage on different cherry varieties grown in the Ñuble region for years. The studies analyzed storage periods of 10, 30, and 50 days, as well as shelf life exposure, which ranges between 2 and 6 days.

Varieties and storage

“In general, the longer the storage time, the greater the incidence of disorders such as internal browning in the Regina and Kordia varieties. Meanwhile, firmness loss is more pronounced in Santina and Lapins,” said Balbontín.

In this context, the specialist emphasized that the work done in the laboratory “allows us to better understand the optimal time to maintain the quality of the fruit, depending on the variety and the destination market.”

The researcher also pointed out that cherry quality varies significantly depending on the production area and the climatic conditions of each season. “Factors such as heat waves, rain, or harvest delays due to lower spring temperatures can affect the post-harvest storage potential.”

The future of competitiveness

Finally, Balbontín reiterated the importance of strengthening post-harvest research to ensure the competitiveness of Chilean cherries in international markets.

“If we want to access new markets and maintain the sector's profitability, collaboration between researchers, producers, and exporters is essential. Only then can we optimize post-harvest practices and ensure that Chilean cherries continue to be a benchmark for quality worldwide,” he concluded.

Source: PortalAgroChile


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

The secret behind the early cherries of Fruit Luxury (Huesca, Spain)

Planting systems

01 May 2023

FRUIT LUXURY COMPANY S.L., a family business located in Albalate de Cinca (Huesca), has six hectares of cherry trees cultivated in greenhouses with the aim of anticipating production and protecting them from bad weather such as rain, hail or wind.

Uzbekistan cherry varieties: a prospective look

Varieties

22 May 2024

Uzbekistan, with its 35 million inhabitants and an area of 450,000 square kilometres (a third more than Italy), ranks fifth globally in producing more than 100,000 tonnes of cherries per year. The only sticking point concerns the varietal landscape.

In evidenza

Sweet cherries selenium enrichment: from fertilization to fruit quality

Tech management

28 Mar 2025

Find out how selenium enrichment of Burlat cherries improves fruit quality, increases soluble solids content and reduces the risk of cracking. A study in Poland analysed the best fertilisation techniques to obtain more nutritious and resistant cherries.

Post-harvest irrigation of cherries: the essentials of water-saving to ensure the profitability of cherry orchards

Tech management

28 Mar 2025

The plummeting price of cherries in China is undermining the profitability of orchards. Excessive irrigation affects energy costs and fruit quality. Discover strategies to optimise water use and improve the sustainability of cultivation.

Tag Popolari