News about Chile

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.

Contracts, advance payments and trust: legal lessons learnt from a multi-million dispute in the cherry sector

Tech management

28 Sep 2026

In Chile, attention is growing around contractual risks in the cherry industry. Lawyer Álvaro Jofré examines advances, guarantees, due diligence, penalties and foreign investment, outlining safeguards that can reduce disputes, financial losses and legal exposure abroad.

How mineral fertiliser affects the quality of cherries

Tech management

25 Sep 2026

Sweet cherry nutrition and fruit quality: studies from Chile, USA, Spain and other countries show how nitrogen, potassium, calcium, boron, phosphorus and magnesium affect fruit size, firmness, soluble solids, color, cracking and postharvest storage performance.

The challenge of ‘lizard skin’ in cherries: can melatonin protect the quality of the fruit?

Post-harvest​

22 Sep 2026

A Chilean study on Lapins and Regina cherries tests melatonin before and after harvest: greener stems and delayed ripening, but no improvement in firmness and a higher incidence of orange peel disorder, limiting its technical and commercial use for long-distance shipping.