The unique blend of size, firmness, turgor, luminosity, color, sweet taste, and juiciness of Chile's cherries sets them apart in the seasonal fruit market. Claudia Soler, Executive Director of the Chilean Fruit Cherry Committee, notes a shift in cherry varieties. Although the rabbit variety currently dominates production, the Santina is expected to lead in production and export within a few years, smoothing the production curve.
Unlike last season, marred by Covid-19 related logistical issues, this season's main concern was weather unpredictability. This made export projections challenging due to its impact on early fruit and delays in the season. Preliminary estimates suggest an export level of around 70 million boxes.
Soler emphasizes the maturity of the cherry industry, citing significant modernization over recent decades. This includes new rootstocks, modern pruning systems, and advanced technologies to combat climate change. Sorting technologies in processing plants can even detect internal fruit defects, ensuring product quality and consistency.
Chile is the world's leading cherry exporter, with over 400,000 tons shipped in 2022-2023, an upward trend. Mexico, a producer in the northern hemisphere, poses no significant competition. Peru is exploring areas suitable for cherry growth, but these projects are still under evaluation.
Source: blueberriesconsulting.com