News about Chile

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.

How to prevent cracking in cherry wood: advice from an expert

Tech management

16 Oct 2026

Rain in Chile threatens cherry quality as harvest approaches. The article outlines strategies to prevent fruit cracking and manage Botrytis, covering protective biofilms, chloride applications, irrigation management and timely treatments during ripening and harvest.

In the new Chilean season, what will happen to the unsold fresh cherries?

Processed

14 Oct 2026

Chile forecasts 727,000 tonnes of cherries in 2026/27, with around 20% of the crop potentially destined for processing. The record harvest could boost supplies of IQF frozen, sulfited and dried cherries as exporters diversify beyond Chinese market and other destinations.

Forecasts suggest that the global cherry harvest will reach a record high of 5.4 million tonnes

Markets

13 Oct 2026

Global fresh cherry production is forecast to rise 17% in 2026/27 to a record 5.4 million tonnes. Turkey, China and Chile lead output growth, while worldwide cherry trade is expected to increase by more than 15%, supported by greater export supplies based on USDA data.

Rain increases the risk of fungal and bacterial infections in cherry trees

Crop protection

12 Oct 2026

Rainfall in south-central Chile is raising the risk of fungal and bacterial diseases in orchards. INIA Quilamapu warns that cherry, blueberry, pome fruit and grapevine crops are vulnerable, highlighting monitoring, preventive measures and the removal of infected timber.

50 per cent increase in exports of frozen Chilean cherries

Processed

06 Oct 2026

Chile’s processed fruit and vegetable exports rose 7% in January-August 2026, totalling US$2.271 billion. Frozen products led growth, with raspberry export value up 63% and cherries up 51%, supported by higher volumes and prices and a broader international market reach.

Expansion, varietal renewal and technological progress are reshaping the landscape of the Chilean cherry sector

Production

05 Oct 2026

Chile’s cherry industry is entering a new phase: 77,766 hectares, young orchards and major varietal renewal. An ODEPA study shows how Santina, Lapins and Regina, together with drip irrigation, could support a further increase in future cherry production across Chile.

The Chilean cherry season has started early, but with a 50 per cent drop in the earliest-ripening areas

Processed

02 Oct 2026

In Coquimbo, Chile, the cherry harvest could begin between October 10 and 15, one of the earliest dates ever recorded in the region. Production is expected to fall by 50%, while larger fruit, higher sugar levels and access to new markets could support growers this season.

The competitiveness of cherries on international markets will increasingly depend on the efficiency of refrigerated logistics

Post-harvest​

01 Oct 2026

Chile’s 2026/27 cherry season is projected at 132 million boxes. With volumes rising and China still the key market, refrigerated transport, cold chain management, traceability and advance logistics planning will be crucial to protect quality, timing and profitability.

Following its most challenging season ever, the Chilean cherry industry is aiming to regain its former glory

Markets

29 Sep 2026

After a difficult season, Chile aims to relaunch its cherries in China through higher quality, reputation management and new commercial strategies. The industry is also looking to India and the United States, while rebuilding consumer trust remains the main priority.