“As of April 7, we will be shipping cherries from Spain into Canada and the US”, says Rick Chong with Sutherland S.A. Produce. Spain’s production has already started in small quantities, but in about ten days, supplies will be large enough to export. This is the second year Sutherland S.A. Produce is shipping cherries from Spain to North America. The company works closely with cherry growers in Spain and supports growers with all aspects: from selecting the varieties to plant, to picking out the fruit that is suitable for export, to teaching growers how to manage the cold chain. “This allows us to grow a high quality berry that meets the Canadian standards”, said Chong.
Air freight
In ten days, Chong will travel to Spain to personally select the fruit that is suitable to be exported. “We will do a Durofel pressure test for firmness”, he said. “We need to make sure the fruit is firm enough to go overseas. This will result in better arrivals, less rejections and fewer claims.” In addition to Canada and the US, Spanish cherries are also exported to Asia and distributed within the European Union.
The journey to North America takes less than a day as the cherries are shipped by air. “It’s an expensive way of shipping”, commented Chong. Exporting cherries is new to Spain and the country is working on shipping by ocean container as that is about 80 percent cheaper compared to air freight. “Hopefully, as of next year they will have it figured out as that will improve their competitive position”, said Chong.
Monster size cherries
Spain’s mild winters allow the country to produce large size early cherry varieties that other countries don’t have. Their large size starts at 9.5 row, but goes as big as 7 row. “Size 7 row is considered the ‘king’ of cherries, which is unheard of in the rest of the world. With its many beautifully sized early varieties, Spain is just unique for growing cherries”, finished Chong.
For more information:
Rick Chong
Sutherland S.A. Produce
USA (+1) 509-423-7385
Canada (+1) 403-616-1977