"Chile is currently the leading exporter of fresh fruits in the southern hemisphere, with special leadership in cherries and plums. More than 8,000 producers are able to grow a variety of fruits in Chile thanks to the fresh air of the Pacific Ocean and the country's different climatic regions. Cherries are grown in a large part of the 4,000 km long country.
"Chile is the largest producer and exporter of cherries in the world, a product that reaches millions of consumers and is one of the country's most important agro-export products."
"According to recent data from IQonsulting's 2022 International Cherry Market Yearbook, Chile accounts for 95% of the world's cherry production. In the recent season, the country produced 445,500 tons, 356,442 tons of which it exported, equivalent to 71.3 million boxes of 5 kilos. The main destinations were countries in Asia, North America, and Europe. "
"According to specialists, Chile will maintain its growth and it could even double its production. According to forecasts, in the next 5 years, the country could have 62,000 hectares of cherry plantations and produce 830,000 tons of cherries, equivalent to 166 million 5-kilo boxes in the 2026/27 season. (IQonsulting and Asoex Cherry Committee).
"For the past 20 years, Chile produces and has based its cherry production on eight main cherry varieties: Brooks, Royal Dawn, Santina, Bing, Lapins, Kordia, Regina, and Sweet Heart."
"The harvest season goes from November to February, that is, between the southern hemisphere's spring and summer. In the north of the country, in the sunny Elqui Valley (Coquimbo), the harvest can even start in October, and in Chile Chico (in Patagonia) it can last until February."
Europe: an interesting market for Chile's cherries
"Currently, Asia is the Chilean cherry's main destination market, in particular China, its biggest buyer. However, Chile is interested in diversifying its shipping markets, so the countries of Europe are a potentially important focus, given that the country produces them in the counter-season, which also favors positioning them among EU consumers. Chile exports its cherries to different countries in Europe, such as the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France. However, the country must increase the volume it exports and improve the positioning of this product in the European markets."
"Under the Association Agreement between Chile and the European Union, Chilean cherries enter the market duty-free and, from a phytosanitary point of view, only require sanitary inspection. These kinds of benefits play a primary role in promoting exports to European markets."
For more information:
Nicolás Poblete
44-207-2332525
[email protected]