News about Chile

Genome sequencing and assembly in sweet cherry: new opportunities for breeding

Breeding

30 Apr 2026

New genomic assemblies for sweet cherry cultivars Santina and Regina in Chile reveal high-quality sequences, genetic variability, and key loci such as S and DAM. Findings support breeding, climate adaptation, and innovation in modern cherry production.

Botrytis can be much more aggressive than Alternaria in cherry blossoms and fruit

Crop protection

29 Apr 2026

In Chile, the Check Fast Cherry system shows that Botrytis is more aggressive than Alternaria on cherry flowers and fruits. The 48-hour rapid test detects infections in real time and identifies new fungal species, supporting more effective disease control strategies.

Claudia Soler: "The future of Chilean cherries does not lie in volume, but in promoting a fruit of superior quality"

Events

28 Apr 2026

The Chilean cherry sector shifts strategy: less rapid growth, more focus on quality, logistics and reputation. The Chinese market is more demanding, while the industry targets higher standards and diversification to sustain value.

The new bicolor variety Cheery Glow is gaining ground in Chile: the rollout begins with 200 hectares

Varieties

24 Apr 2026

Cheery Glow, Bloom Fresh’s early cherry, is expanding in Chile with 200 hectares. Low chill requirement, high quality and up to 60 days storage make it ideal for export to China, Europe and the United States, helping growers face climate challenges and competitive global markets.

The Paclife conference on cherries: integration is needed between science, post-harvest handling and the market

Events

24 Apr 2026

Paclife Conference 2026 focuses on cherries, postharvest, automation and global markets, highlighting how data, innovation and integrated logistics are crucial drivers to ensure quality, competitiveness and value across the Chilean and international export supply chain.

Chile and Spain: the cherry battle in China

Markets

22 Apr 2026

Chile strengthens its dominance in cherry exports to China, but the 2025–2026 season shows a price drop of over 30%. Spain’s entry into the Asian market introduces new competition, as demand remains strong but the product’s positioning continues to evolve.

Raimundo Cuevas: "The cherry industry has entered a new era, and not all orchards will survive"

Production

20 Apr 2026

In Chile’s cherry sector, oversupply and rising costs are reshaping the market. According to Raimundo Cuevas, not all orchards will survive: higher productivity, new varieties and a redefinition of growing areas will be essential to maintain profitability in the coming years.

A study reveals that the rootstock-variety combination is key to increasing drought tolerance in cherry trees

Rootstocks

17 Apr 2026

CEAF research shows that rootstock and variety combinations influence drought tolerance in cherry trees in Chile, where rainfall is sharply declining. The study highlights strategies to improve water use efficiency and irrigation management in extreme climate conditions.

Chile is promoting its frozen fruit: blueberries are leading the way, whilst cherries are gaining ground

Processed

15 Apr 2026

Chile’s frozen fruit sector is expanding rapidly, with +26% in volume and +30% in value in 2024 and continued growth in 2025. Blueberries dominate exports, while cherries and raspberries gain momentum thanks to innovation, modern facilities and shifting global demand.

A new era for Chilean cherries: building on success and diversifying to sustain it

Production

13 Apr 2026

Chile’s cherry industry has surged thanks to China, which absorbs 87% of exports. As the super cycle ends, the sector faces new challenges: tighter margins, rising competition and the urgent need to diversify markets to ensure long-term stability and growth.