Chilean company Copefrut expects growth in the 2025-2026 cherry export season. "This year we received 40 million kilos from producers, and I believe that this new season we will receive 46 million to 47 million kilos, so we estimate that we will grow by more than 6%," stated Andrés Fuenzalida, Copefrut's general manager, during the Global Cherry Summit.
"The perception of our cherries wasn't very good last year. That's why this year we must prepare the market so that it is eager to consume our cherries." He also emphasized the importance of communication with clients and producers.
"The Chinese love cherries; it is a market that continues to grow, and we have to adapt to what they are asking for. There are many companies, so we have to reach a consensus and come to an agreement. Currently, faced with a complex situation, it is easier than when we were all competing because we were all doing well," he said.
Last season, there was a drop in prices and returns. "We did our best, but prices and returns to producers fell by approximately 50% because of many factors," he added.
To address these challenges, Fuenzalida stressed the need for collaboration and strengthening Frutas de Chile's Cherry Committee.
Source: frutasdechile.cl