Season’s First Air Shipment of Chilean Cherries To Reach China Soon

Situated in Chile’s northern Coquimbo region, Ovalle is the earliest cherry-harvesting region in the country and one of the first in the Southern Hemisphere to start cherry exports. The main cherry varieties planted there are early cultivars, including Brooks and Nipama.

According to a news report by Más Producción, favorable winter climate conditions and new orchards coming into production mean that Ovalle’s cherry output for the 2025/26 season is expected to surpass 2,000 metric tons. The first air shipment of Chilean cherries bound for China is scheduled for as early as week 42, in sync with cherries from Patagonia in Argentina.

Local agronomist Jorge Astudillo expressed optimism about this season, noting that cherry flowering occurred five days earlier than last year, closely aligning with Ovalle’s typical conditions. Early-ripening varieties, mainly Brooks, Royal Dawn, Nimba and Santina, are expected to be harvested from Oct. 20–22.

Around five years ago, the region experienced a wave of cherry planting, and this year numerous new orchards are coming into production. Currently, fruit-bearing orchards cover 200–300 hectares, accounting for 50–60% of the total local orchard area. Some of these orchards are just beginning to harvest, while others are at peak production. Based on the current situation, total production is expected to be at least double last year’s 1,000 metric tons, although the final figure will depend on late-ripening varieties.

Astudillo noted that last year’s first air shipment to China originated from greenhouses in central Chile, resulting in fruits with lower firmness. By contrast, cherries grown in Ovalle’s open fields ripen naturally, producing large, firm and crisp fruits with a bright color. Initial prices for this season are expected to be high, sending a positive signal to the market.

Image: Pixabay

This article was translated from Chinese. Read the original article.