Chilean cherries: falling prices in the domestic market, but up to €43/kg in China

19 Dec 2024
1201

While the domestic consumer waits to purchase this exquisite and healthy fruit at 1,500 pesos, the Chinese pay up to 45,000 pesos Chilean per kilo.

Just as the Chinese eagerly await Chilean cherries, Chileans also look for them in ferias libres, supermarkets, and the famous Vega, but they are not willing to pay high prices for a kilo.

Once avocado was known as the green gold, now cherries are the red gold, and consumers await them because it is a rich and sweet fruit that many love.

Marcela Rojas, a passionate cherry consumer, emphasizes that they are very tasty, but they are very expensive, and she has not yet been convinced to buy them.

At the beginning of the season, cherries available in the domestic market started at 7,000 and 8,000 pesos per kilo, now they are at 3,500, 3,600, 4,300, and 4,500.

Walking around La Vega, it can be observed that prices effectively range between 3,500 and 4,300 pesos per kilo.

The Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela, highlighted that from now until December, prices will decrease further and that by summer, they will be at 1,500.

So, if you can’t satisfy your craving now, don’t worry. The harvest is coming abundantly, and this is a sign of price reductions. It is estimated that cherry production will grow by 30, 40%.

And how much do the Chinese buy Chilean cherries for?

The first shipment of Chilean cherries for the 2024-2025 season arrived at the Shanghai airport, in China, on October 14, 2024, 315 kilograms of the Cherry Crunch variety, exported by Rio King, received by the importer Riverking, and sold in 30 minutes at the Huizhan market.

Sales Prices

Boxes of 2.5 kg, size J: 650 RMB (91.8 USD).

Boxes of 2.5 kg, size JD: 700 RMB (98.9 USD).

Boxes of 5 kg, size XL: 900 RMB (127.1 USD).

Boxes of 5 kg, size XLD: 1,000 RMB (141.2 USD).

Boxes of 5 kg, size L: 700 RMB (98.9 USD).

This demonstrates the great enthusiasm for acquiring this fruit, and the first to send cherries are producers from the Norte Chico. However, as producers, exporters, consultants, and technical experts have pointed out, it is necessary to maintain and work for quality through harvest strategies, training, and process optimization.

Source: Diario Frutícola
Image: Diario Frutícola


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

The use of modified atmosphere for sweet cherry preservation

Post-harvest​

06 Feb 2025

A recent study from Romania evaluated the effectiveness of using Xtend modified atmosphere packaging in maintaining the quality of "Kordia" and "Regina" cherry varieties. The cherries were stored at -0.5°C for 42 days.

Emerging agronomic and commercial problems and needs in cherry cultivation in Turkiye

Quality

20 May 2024

Alara is the biggest grower in Turkey with 220 ha of orchards for production out of peak season. Different dynamics are emerging since the last 10 years that are threatening the future of the business. Actions for sustainable production are becoming more and more important.

In evidenza

Cherry humidification in Chile: reduced dehydration and better fruit condition

Post-harvest​

03 Jun 2025

A Chilean study proves that humidification systems in field collection centers lower dehydration in cherries, preserving weight, appearance, and pedicel freshness even after 30 days in cold storage. A concrete quality boost and long-term strategic edge for exporters.

Huge success for the 1st MUNDOAGRO Cherry Congress: over 800 attendees

Events

03 Jun 2025

The 1st MUNDOAGRO Special Cherry Congress brought together over 800 agricultural professionals in Chile, featuring international masterclasses, technical forums, and expert discussions on key topics like fruit quality, nutrition, and innovation in cherry cultivation.

Tag Popolari