Chilean Cherries Face Double Whammy in China

Chile's cherry exports to China encountered difficulties for the second consecutive season. A combination of an earlier harvest, approximately 10 days ahead of schedule, and a later Lunar New Year celebration meant that a significant volume of fruit arrived before peak consumption. This timing mismatch, coupled with concerns over the purchasing power of Chinese consumers, negatively impacted sales.

Despite these challenges, the final product quality was generally good, with good flavor, reflecting growers' adherence to recommendations. Shipments reached 113.8 million boxes, exceeding initial projections. However, the industry is entering a period of adjustment, with a need for enhanced coordination and market diversification. Chile is actively working to reduce its reliance on the Chinese market, with the United States being a key target for future exports.