News about China

Chilean cherries boom in China: record exports and lower prices

Markets

20 Jan 2026

China now absorbs 93% of Chile’s cherry exports, making them the country’s second most exported product after copper. Thanks to direct sea routes, improved logistics, and lower prices, Chile is boosting its position as a global leader in agri-food trade with China.

The fruit bagging technique to increase anthocyanin synthesis in fruit

Tech management

20 Jan 2026

A joint study by Chinese institutes and Michigan State University reveals how yellow-black bagging improves the color of 'Lapins' sweet cherries. The rise in anthocyanins and sugars highlights new agronomic strategies to enhance fruit quality in cherry production.

Chilean cherries face weather challenges but shine with smart strategies: cherry festival launches in China

Events

16 Jan 2026

Frutas de Chile has revised its 2025/26 cherry export forecast down by 15% due to adverse weather, with shipments expected to reach 110 million boxes. To support sales, the Cherry Ice and Snow Festival launches in China, blending cherries, lifestyle and Lunar New Year culture.

China bets on cherries: from luxury fruit to agricultural strategy

Production

15 Jan 2026

China is investing in cherry production, turning what was once considered a luxury fruit into a key pillar of its agricultural strategy. Backed by strong local government support, provinces like Shandong and Yunnan are scaling up output and reducing import dependency.

Cherries: global price crisis in 2025 hits China, Europe and the Americas

Markets

13 Jan 2026

In 2025, the global cherry market faces a historic crisis: prices down by up to 50%, weak demand and surplus supply. China, Europe, the U.S. and Latin America are among the hardest hit regions. New strategies will be needed in 2026 to compete on quality and timing.

Tip Top variety identified in chilean exports labeled as Rose Rainier

Varieties

12 Jan 2026

DNA analysis conducted in China revealed that cherries exported from Chile under the Rose Rainier label were genetically identical to the patented Tip Top variety (Skylar Rae®). ANA Chile® and Tip Top Orchards LLC. announced legal action to protect varietal rights.

How sweet cherry trees fight water stress with UGT genes: spotlight on PavUGT10

Breeding

08 Jan 2026

A genomic study identified 235 UGT genes in sweet cherry, revealing the key role of PavUGT10 in waterlogging tolerance. The gene boosts plant survival by enhancing antioxidant responses and reducing oxidative stress damage in flooded conditions.

The first Chinese cherries from Chengcheng County hit the market, selling for $84/kg.

Production

05 Jan 2026

On 24 December, a local fruit grower explained that this year the trees were subjected to forced dormancy and heating earlier than usual, resulting in the cherries ripening about 10 days earlier than in previous years.

Pre-cooling and sweet cherry fruit cracking: physiological and molecular evidence

Post-harvest​

30 Dec 2025

A study from China shows that pre-cooling sweet cherries at 4°C can reduce cracking by over 50%. Cultivars Jiahong and Hongdeng react differently, but both benefit. Physiological and genetic data support the effectiveness of this low-impact postharvest solution.

Chilean cherries in China: critical issues and remedies in post-harvest management

Post-harvest​

24 Dec 2025

Jessica Rodríguez analyses the problems of rot in Chilean cherries exported to China in 2024/25, highlighting causes, impacts and solutions adopted. The report highlights critical issues in post-harvest management, sanitisation and product storage.