Chilean cherries arrive in Rotterdam: first ocean shipment in week 45

Cherries harvested in week 45 will arrive in Rotterdam on 9 December thanks to the pioneering strategy of C&L and CMR Group.

For the first time ever, Chilean cherries harvested as early as week 45 will be distributed on the European market by sea. An unprecedented event marking a major shift in counter-season export dynamics, with Spain – and Europe more broadly – becoming the new front-runner at the start of the campaign.

This breakthrough is being led by CMR Group, a historic Spanish company specialising in fruit and vegetable import-export, in collaboration with Chilean grower C&L, active in stone fruit production for over 50 years. The first maritime container of cherries is expected in Rotterdam on 9 December and will be placed on the market starting from week 50 through CMR’s European distribution network.

An unprecedented season opening

"We personally visited the orchards of our partner C&L in Chile to select the best fruit for this historic shipment," says Carles Martí, Director of the Import-Export Department at CMR. A strategic choice aimed at anticipating supply and opening the European market one month earlier than in previous years.

Typically, the first lots of Chilean cherries are shipped by air to Asian markets, which are known to be more profitable. However, this year, due to a larger crop and the desire to avoid market saturation, C&L has decided to place its bet on Europe.

“It is the first time a maritime container leaves for Europe this early. We are proud to have been chosen as a partner for this challenge,” Martí highlights. Sea shipments usually begin between late December and February.

Selected varieties and more competitive prices

The stars of this shipment are Royal Dawn and Sweet Aryana, early and resilient varieties ideal for long-distance shipping. Accustomed to two-week journeys to Asia, these cherries are perfectly suited for the shorter route to Europe.

An additional advantage concerns logistics costs: shipping by sea is far cheaper than air freight, enabling more competitive pricing on European markets – Spain, France, Italy, Portugal – right in the peak of the Christmas season.

“We expect a strong response from European consumers,” Martí adds, “who will be able to find high-quality cherries at accessible prices during the holidays, a time when people look for special and unusual products.”

A new route for Chilean cherries

Starting from week 50, CMR Group will market the first Chilean counter-season cherries in Europe, officially launching a campaign that will run until March. A move that could redefine the import calendar and open new horizons for the entire supply chain.

Source: freshplaza.es

Image source: C&L Fruit

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