2025 begins with the Year of the Snake, but for Chilean cherries it's a time for bitter reflections. According to the data, the economic returns from the last season show a collapse, despite record-high volumes.
The Chinese market, traditionally the main driver of Chilean cherry exports, was not enough to save a season that will be remembered more for its challenges than for successes. According to the 2025 Annual Report by iQonsulting, FOB revenues will slightly exceed $1.8 billion (around €1.65 billion), a sharp drop from the $3 billion (around €2.76 billion) recorded in the 2023/24 campaign. A 40% plunge, even more surprising considering that this year production reached the historical record of 125 million boxes, representing a 51% increase over the previous season.
Isabel Quiroz, co-founder of iQonsulting, is blunt: "The average price collapsed in historic terms. It’s true that the product reached a broader audience and the entire volume was sold, but the revenues no longer cover production costs in Chile."
The loss caused by the sinking of the Maersk Saltoro cargo ship — which resulted in the destruction of about 5 million boxes — further worsens the financial balance, but it is not enough to explain the depth of the crisis.
While acknowledging that China remains a strategic asset, Quiroz calls for a major review of sales dynamics: "We have reached an average annual consumption of 434 grams per capita in China alone. That’s a huge figure, but also a risky one: any misstep can trigger dramatic price drops, as we've already seen."
The message is clear: market diversification is now a priority. Moreover, a more granular planning of exports is necessary. Every week follows its own rhythm, influenced by seasonal, cultural, and promotional factors. "Selling at $100/kg (about €92/kg) in week 44 is not the same as during the weeks before the Chinese New Year. Each week must be carefully analyzed to determine how much can be sold and at what price."
In a season marked by falling prices, the performance of bicolor varieties, such as Skylar Rae and Rainier, stood out by maintaining high price points. The former reached $68 per kilo (about €62/kg) in December, while the latter surpassed $50 (about €46) in the early weeks of the season.
These are niche productions, more complex to manage and with limited volumes, but they show a premium potential that is still largely untapped.
The lesson is clear: quantitative growth is no longer enough. The sector must rethink its strategy, not only to regain value, but also to build a more resilient and sustainable model, capable of weathering the fluctuations of the Chinese market and expanding into new global destinations.
Source text and images: redagricola.com
25 Apr 2024
‘We had the first harvest on 13 April and today is the third,’ says Ilyas Coşkuner, a local producer. ‘We are optimistic about both the yield and market prices. The 30 kg of cherries belonging to İlyas Coşkuner were bought at the symbolic price of 500 lira per kg.
23 Jan 2025
For the American tart cherry industry, this statement is a sweet nod to the versatility of the fruit among younger generations. From adventurous culinary creations to its vibrant ruby-red beauty, tart cherries are set to inspire a new audience in unexpected ways.
12 Jun 2025
Washington State University may soon release R3 and R19, two early-season cherry varieties that outperform Chelan in sweetness, firmness and size. Developed through years of trials in Zillah and Mattawa, they could reshape early-season cherry production in the U.S. fruit market.
12 Jun 2025
Technology, genetics and sustainability: cherry farming in Moldova is evolving with varieties like Ferrovia, Regina, Skeena and rootstocks such as Gisela 6 and Cerasus mahaleb L. A strategic approach to improve yield and reduce environmental impact.
