Chilean Cherry Arrival Volumes Stabilize Ahead of Chinese New Year

According to information provided by Claudia Soler, executive director of the Chilean Cherry Committee of Frutas de Chile, 97 million boxes of fresh Chilean cherries have so far been exported to China this season, equivalent to 486,000 metric tons.

In regard to the distribution of the fruit, Soler noted that the weeks prior to Christmas and New Year (weeks 48 to 50) saw significant growth in fresh cherry shipments compared with the same period of last season.

“Based on the committee’s latest estimate, which reported an approximate growth of 50% compared to the previous season, it is important to highlight that a good part of this growth has already been accounted for.

“During the next three weeks, before the Chinese New Year, we should expect the arrival of no more than an additional 23% of the volumes that have already reached the marketplace, far less than what was previously envisaged,” Soler further noted.

To encourage consumption, the Chilean Cherry Committee has designed a series of promotional activities that are currently in full swing in various cities across China. These range from point-of-sale promotions in supermarkets and fruit stores, collaborations with popular influencers, livestreaming events, activations on e-commerce platforms, workshops, seminars, and of course, activities — at various points in the market — showcasing the recently introduced mascots for Chilean cherries that represent the three main varieties of cherries in Chile: Santina, Lapins and Regina.

Image: Frutas de Chile