This is the season when imported cherries enter the Chinese market. However, many consumers are hesitant to buy the cherries because the prices are high and do not show any sign of coming down. The realization of "cherry freedom" is a hot topic among people in the industry. The first cherries of this year already entered the market. The price came down slightly in comparison with previous years. Looking at the market conditions since early November shows that Chilean cherries are not as popular as they were in previous years.
The cherry market was on fire last year, but this year consumers seem more rational and restrained. The enthusiasm for cherries cooled down. China is the largest export market for Chilean cherries. China accounts for more than 88% of the Chilean cherry export volume. The most recent data from the Chilean Cherry Association shows that Chile already exported more than 41 million boxes of cherries to China in the second half of the year. That is a total of 209 thousand tons. That means the supply volume increased by 16.1% this year.
Chile enjoyed an abundant cherry harvest this year. The overall production volume was larger than in previous years. The price of cherries is expected to fall in comparison with last year. In addition, the sugar content and the firmness of Chilean cherries both improved this year. Canadian and Australian cherries are also about to enter the Chinese wholesale markets. The price of cherries is expected to reach the most reasonable level in the middle of December.
Source: Changzhou Daily