A landmark event for the cherry industry: international experts, innovation, market analysis, and climate challenges are at the heart of the Redagrícola Cherry Conference agenda.
Chile is preparing to host an unprecedented technical event for the cherry sector. The first edition of the Redagrícola Cherry Conference will take place on May 28 and 29, 2025, at the Monticello Events Center in Mostazal, O’Higgins Region.
This two-day event dedicated entirely to cherry cultivation is designed for farmers, technicians, researchers, and business operators interested in exploring the latest sector developments.
With a technical-specialist format, true to Redagrícola's style, the conference will bring together key figures from the international and Chilean cherry-growing scene, offering opportunities for dialogue, discussion, and updates on research, technological innovation, and market perspectives.
The event will be organized across two conference halls, featuring a rich program of presentations and round tables. Alongside technical-scientific presentations, startups, research centers, and universities will showcase the latest developments in genetics, physiology, post-harvest technologies, and sustainability.
One of the most anticipated presentations will be from Ricky Chong, commercial director of Global Fresh, a company with cherry orchards in Chile, China, and Tasmania. Chong will provide an analysis of the Chinese market—the main outlet for around 90% of Chilean exports—and reflect on the need to diversify trade destinations in response to new consumer behaviors in Asia.
The conference will also tackle the implications of climate change on cherry cultivation. Dr. Javier Rodrigo (CITA, Spain) will share his experience on standardizing agronomic criteria for different varieties in an increasingly unpredictable climate context.
His focus will be on biological markers to identify fruit ripening stages.
From the Chilean side, Dr. Karen Sagredo (Universidad de Chile) will speak about the physiology of cherry trees related to the demand for larger fruits, analyzing varieties currently cultivated in the country.
She is also actively involved in validating products for sustainable orchard management.
Another key topic will be post-harvest management. Jessica Rodríguez, an expert with over 20 years of industry experience, will analyze the crucial processes for preserving cherry quality up to the final destination, drawing on her consultancy work with Trío Kimún.
Significant attention will be given to real agronomic challenges. Luis Valenzuela, former R&D director at Copefrut, will address disorders related to climate and pollination, while Jordi Casas, former technical director at Frusan, will discuss critical issues and opportunities linked to new varieties on the market.
On nutrition, Dr. Marlene Ayala (PUC Chile) will present her studies on the importance of foliar calcium and productive physiology of cherry trees, oriented toward genetic improvement.
Closing the expert presentations will be Walter Masman, a consultant active between the Coquimbo and Los Lagos regions, who will lead a technical debate on critical issues from the 2024/25 season, characterized by record export volumes.
Finally, Dr. Andrés France (formerly INIA) will highlight emerging pathogens linked to the expansion of cultivation areas and introduction of new varieties in previously uncultivated regions.
In a complex year for the industry, the Cherry Conference aims to be a turning point for professionals in Chilean cherry growing who are eyeing international markets with interest.
A unique opportunity to stay updated, exchange insights, and tackle future challenges with greater awareness, keeping an eye also on the European and Italian contexts, increasingly focused on product quality and sustainability.
📌 More information and the full program are available on the official Redagrícola website.
11 Sep 2024
The demand for Chilean cherries is high from the Chinese market, which receives over 91% of Chile’s cherry export volume. Post estimates that cherry production in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 will reach 500,000 metric tons (MT), an increase of 6.8% compared to MY2023/24.
19 May 2023
The project was created to quantify and characterise the cherries of a traditional production area in the hills around Turin and find an outlet for the by-products of the processing industry and the product that cannot be placed on the fresh market.
15 Jul 2025
The 2025 cherry season in the US Northwest brings excellent quality and large fruit sizes. Superfresh Growers leads exports to Asia and Oceania, India shows growing demand, while shipments to China decline due to trade tariffs and restrictions.
15 Jul 2025
A study conducted in China and the USA reveals that phenylactic acid (PLA) improves sweet cherry storage by extending freshness, aroma and nutritional quality. The optimal 8 mmol·L-1 concentration delivers strong results without damaging the fruit’s appearance.
