News about Chile

Extreme weather conditions and a transport strike are threatening the cherry season

Markets

13 Nov 2026

Rain and hail in Chile have damaged crops, while a truckers’ strike in San Antonio threatens shipments. Cherry output could reach about 115 million boxes, below the 140 million estimate. Weather and logistics are clouding the 2026-2027 season and its export outlook.

A difficult start to the season for Chilean cherries. An expert’s analysis

Production

12 Nov 2026

Rain, cold and low sunlight are complicating the cherry season in Chile. Walter Masman warns of risks to fruit quality and harvest. For Santina, further rain could cause losses of 15–20%: a hypothetical scenario that depends on weather forecasts over the next few weeks.

How best to organise the purchase and sale of processed cherries

Processed

09 Nov 2026

When sourcing processed cherries from Chile, set specifications, size, Brix, microbiological requirements, packaging, Incoterms and shipping dates before harvest. Terms reduce the risk of an unsuitable lot and give processors time to prepare production for the season.

Ten innovations that could revolutionise the cherry supply chain

Planting systems

05 Nov 2026

In Chile, cherry orchards are changing with precision irrigation, covers, sensors and genetics: which technologies are ready to adopt, which remain experimental, and how to invest to protect cherry quality, yields and export competitiveness from climate and water risks.

From Cherry Freedom to everyday enjoyment: how Chinese consumer habits are changing

Consumption

04 Nov 2026

Chilean cherries in China are shifting from Lunar New Year gifts to everyday fruit. With prices falling and consumers focused on value, Ipsos outlines four strategies to reach new audiences, highlight quality and wellbeing, and build year-round demand in China and retail.

Claudia Soler: Improving the quality of Chilean cherries requires a shared responsibility

Markets

02 Nov 2026

Claudia Soler examines the future of Chilean cherries after two difficult seasons, focusing on premium quality, changing consumer demand in China, export diversification into the US and Europe, stronger logistics and strategies to build a more resilient industry by 2035.

Top 20 Chilean cherry exporters: find out who they are

Markets

28 Oct 2026

Overall, the season sees some traditional leaders lose volume, including San Francisco, Copefrut and Verfrut, while Dole gains ground and some new exporters make a strong entry into the top 20.

Frequent rainfall is putting Chilean cherry production and the cherry market at risk

Production

23 Oct 2026

Spring rains in Chile have split early cherries in the north, while damage in O’Higgins, which accounts for over 80% of production, remains marginal so far. Growers are monitoring fungal disease, saturated soils and potential impacts on Chile’s 2026/27 cherry crop.

Developing climate-resilient Chilean sweet cherry varieties for export markets

Breeding

23 Oct 2026

For the past 14 years, the PUC’s PMGCe in Chile has been selecting early-ripening cherry varieties with low chilling requirements that are resistant to heat, drought and cracking. Three advanced selections and 1,000 individual trees are being evaluated at four sites.

A warm, rainy spring can put a strain on cherry orchards

Tech management

20 Oct 2026

Rain and waterlogging threaten cherry orchards in Chile, causing root stress, uneven flowering and fruit cracking. INIA Quilamapu explains how drainage, nutrition and orchard management can help limit damage, protect fruit quality and improve postharvest storage life.