Cherry exports to China: a promising but complex challenge for Jerte

30 May 2025
871

The cherry season in the renowned Valle del Jerte, in Extremadura, started a few weeks late due to the abundant spring rains. Nevertheless, production forecasts remain optimistic.

What is making headlines, however, is the opening of the Chinese market to Spanish cherries, thanks to a recently signed bilateral agreement between Madrid and Beijing.

José Antonio Tierno, president of the Protected Designation of Origin “Cereza del Jerte” and of the Agrupación de Cooperativas del Valle del Jerte, describes this new opportunity as “an exciting but complex prospect.”

He emphasizes that China represents a market profoundly different from Europe, requiring strict adaptation to the specific export protocol.

An attractive market

“Access to new markets is essential for a sector that competes strongly at the European level,” says Tierno, noting that Spain – excluding Turkey – is the main cherry producer on the continent.

However, the past experience with plum exports to China calls for caution: “At first it seemed like a success for Extremadura, but it didn’t have lasting results. With cherries, we need to keep our feet on the ground.”

Tierno therefore urges that this new path be seen as a process to be built over time, without unrealistic expectations.

Opening the Chinese market would also benefit other Spanish cherry-growing regions, potentially reducing pressure on traditional European markets – which are still the main destinations for Jerte’s exports, with the United Kingdom leading among non-EU countries.

Outlook for 2025

On the production front, 2025 promises a medium-to-high yield campaign. “If the weather helps us, we could reach 40–45 million kilos,” says Tierno.

Despite the rains, the bloom was favorable and the harvest is expected to peak in the second half of May, with the first certified cherries anticipated from the 15th of the month.

A notable development is the inclusion of three new varieties in the PDO specification – Burlat, Van, and Lapins – which will extend the commercial calendar through mid-August.

“It’s a step forward to ensure the presence of our origin brand in the market for a longer period,” explains Tierno, while still recommending a gradual approach.

Structural challenges

Alongside commercial opportunities, the sector continues to face structural problems. At the top of the list are the shortage of seasonal labor and the need for adequate housing for workers.

Additional issues include agricultural insurance – deemed insufficient – and a greater need for support in mountain agriculture.

“Our agriculture is not industrial: we contribute to environmental protection and land stewardship. Concrete recognition and support policies are needed to ensure sustainability and encourage generational renewal,” concludes Tierno.

Source text and image: valenciafruits.com


Cherry Times – All rights reserved

What to read next

Chilean Cherries: Export Boom and Future Challenges, but China Is No Longer Enough

Events

25 Apr 2025

The Chilean cherry industry achieved record exports in 2025, but faces falling prices and market challenges. China remains key, but there is a need to diversify, improve quality and rebuild consumer and trade confidence.

Gregory Lang: cherry orchard training system innovations

Planting systems

01 May 2023

Sweet cherry growers around the world are increasingly adopting trellised training systems that create a narrow, contiguous, planar “fruiting wall” canopy architecture. The benefits of such a radically redesigned orchard are significant.

In evidenza

Sweet cherries: choosing the best rootstock for fruit quality, yield and sustainability

Planting systems

03 Oct 2025

Rootstock selection in high-density cherry orchards affects tree vigour, fruit size, biochemical quality and postharvest resistance. A Turkish study on Krymsk 5, Gisela 6 and Piku 1 with 0900 Ziraat and Regina cultivars identifies ideal combinations for various markets.

Chilean cherries ready to grow in Southeast Asia: Thailand a key market

Markets

03 Oct 2025

Chilean cherries strengthen their footprint in Southeast Asia: over 2,200 tons exported to Thailand and new market openings in Vietnam and Indonesia. ProChile’s ASEAN mission also paves the way for kiwifruit, blueberries and citrus, boosting Chile’s fruit diversification strategy

Tag Popolari