Why Spanish cherries are conquering China: luxury, health and booming market

09 May 2025
1261

During the recent visit of Spanish President Pedro Sánchez to China, the China-Spain Action Plan for strengthening the global strategic partnership (2025-2028) was announced, which states that "Both countries express their intention to sign protocols for the export to China of fresh cherries and pork from Spain, as well as to start negotiations to facilitate the entry of other agri-food products."

This news not only marks a diplomatic breakthrough but also a great commercial opportunity for the Spanish agricultural sector. Why is the cherry the first fruit included on the import list in China? Below I answer this question from a cultural and commercial perspective:

The cherry: the fruit that represents luxury, health, and prosperity

In China, the cherry is much more than a fruit: it is a symbol of status and quality of life. With rising income levels, the middle class is gaining greater purchasing power and places more importance on healthy eating.

This has led to a growing demand for imported and high-quality products, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. Thanks to its sweet taste and attractive appearance, the cherry is considered a premium fruit and a luxury gift.

Its bright red color — associated with good fortune in Chinese culture — evokes prosperity and luck. For this reason, it has become a highly appreciated gift during festivals such as the New Year, as a sign of generosity and a wish for prosperity.

This explains the boom in cherry imports from countries like Chile, especially in the months leading up to the Lunar New Year. Moreover, thanks to its high nutritional value — rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and iron — it is perceived as a fruit that brings beauty and well-being. For this reason, it is particularly popular among young women and urban consumers.

Boosting e-commerce and emotional marketing

Thanks to the rise of e-commerce in China, platforms like Tmall and JD.com have turned cherries into a viral product. Visual campaigns, festive promotions, and live broadcasts have made cherry consumption an emotional and desirable experience.

On social media, the expression “樱桃自由” (cherry freedom) has even emerged to describe the economic level at which one can afford to buy cherries without looking at the price. This expression has become a symbol of aspirational consumption.

What opportunities for Spain

China's domestic cherry production is not sufficient to meet the growing demand of the market, forcing the country to rely on imports, mainly from Chile and the United States.

However, due to political tensions with the United States, China is actively seeking new trade partners, especially to cover demand for this fruit in spring and summer.

Spain, with its excellent fruit quality, climate diversity, and experience in sustainable production, is in a privileged position to take advantage of this opening. Now that the Chinese market is within reach, Spanish companies must be ready to compete not only in terms of taste but also in story, brand, and cultural value.

Liyun Wang
Business consultant, Spain


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Salt stress can be alleviated through the application of salicylic acid

Tech management

26 Aug 2024

The investigation conducted at Shanghai Jiao Tong University evaluated the efficacy of salicylic acid in mitigating the damaging effects of salt stress on cherry rootstocks and studied the molecular mechanisms behind the applications of this phytohormone.

High-density cherry orchards: how dwarfing rootstocks boost yields

Rootstocks

25 Sep 2025

Learn how modern dwarfing and semi-dwarfing rootstocks enhance sweet cherry production. Faster fruiting, higher quality, and improved profitability in organic high-density orchards. Ideal for innovative growers seeking faster ROI and long-term success.

In evidenza

Argentina's 2025/26 cherry season at risk as Capci tones down export outlook

Markets

28 Oct 2025

Argentina’s 2025/26 cherry season begins with mixed signals. Capci warns of early fruit drop affecting export volumes. Despite good fruit quality, unstable weather and production issues may impact international shipments, pushing forecasts toward stability or slight decline.

Micropropagation protocol for Gisela 17 tested in a commercial nursery in India

Rootstocks

28 Oct 2025

A new micropropagation protocol for Gisela 17 rootstock was developed in Aurangabad, India. The study achieved excellent results in asepsis, rooting and shoot proliferation, paving the way for healthy cherry stock production and modern nursery propagation techniques.

Tag Popolari