The 2019-2020 Chilean cherry season began on the 18th of October, 2019, and will continue until the end of February, 2020. The price of air freight cherries began high but then dropped. Initially, the Chinese market was able to absorb the cherries and so by the time sea freight cherries arrived the price was still high. The price of air freight and sea freight cherries remained similar for some time, until the supply volume of sea freight cherries began to increase. The price then began to fall. Despite significant fluctuations in 2019-2020, the price of cherries remains relatively high. There are several reasons for this development:
1. The Chinese market received news early in the season that the overall production volume of Chilean cherries increased to more than 10 thousand shipping containers. Since the Chinese market price was still somewhat low, many online sellers began to offer discount for pre-sales. Even fruit stores began to participate in promotional activities. In this way the overall demand began to grow.
2. Chilean cherry exporters also invested in the promotion of their products. Even third- and fourth-tier cities in China became aware of Chilean cherries. The living standard of many Chinese consumers is rising and they can afford to purchase imported cherries.
3. The Chilean cherries arrived just in time for Chinese Spring Festival [25 January, 2020]. And there were no other cherries on the market at that time, so competition was virtually absent. The cherries were immensely popular and the main reason that the price was in decline in February was the outbreak of the corona virus.
4. The product quality of Chilean cherries was quite good this year. In addition to the early-season Royal Dawn, Chile also increased the production volume of cherry varieties with a stable product quality such as Santina and Lapins.
The popularity of Chilean cherries is unlikely to decline next year. The main demand seems to be for XL- and J-grade cherries. The cherry varieties that are most likely to supply the market in the periods prior to Christmas and Chinese Spring Festival are Santina, Lapins, Bing, and Kordia.
Source: Haizei Shengxian [Pirate Fresh]