Post projects Chilean cherry production in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 at 730,000 metric tons (MT), a 6.7 percent increase over MY 2024/25. Exports are expected to reach 670,000 MT, up 7.2 percent, mainly driven by demand from China.
Nectarine and peach production is estimated at 205,000 MT in MY 2025/26, a 3.4 percent increase compared to MY 2024/25. Exports of both fruits are forecasted at 146,000 MT, also a 3.4 percent rise, reflecting expansion in nectarine area planted, which offsets the decline in peach orchards.
© Chilean Ministry of Agriculture’s Office of Agricultural Studies and Policy
Production
Cherry planted area in MY 2025/26 is projected at 80,000 hectares (ha), a 4.6 percent increase from MY 2024/25. Harvested area is estimated at 74,000 ha, reflecting the maturity of previously planted orchards. Production growth assumes normal climatic conditions.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture's Office of Agricultural Studies and Policy (ODEPA), the Maule region accounts for 32,801 ha or 42.9 percent of the cherry area, followed by O'Higgins with 29,935 ha or 39.2 percent. The top cherry varieties include Santina, Lapins, and Regina, with Santina favored for its adaptability and post-harvest durability.
Peach and nectarine planted area in MY 2025/26 is forecasted at 9,500 ha, a 3.3 percent increase. Nectarine area has grown from 5,101 ha in MY 2017/18 to 7,597 ha in MY 2024/25, concentrated mainly in O'Higgins and Metropolitana. Peach area continues to decline, reaching 1,599 ha in MY 2024/25.
Trade
In MY 2024/25, Chile exported 625,208 MT of cherries by May, a 51.1 percent increase year-on-year, though oversupply reduced prices. China remains the leading destination, taking 567,625 MT or 90.8 percent of total exports. The U.S. ranked second with 20,166 MT, followed by South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
For MY 2023/24, Chile exported 413,673 MT of cherries valued at US$2.45 billion, an 11.4 percent increase in value despite a slight drop in volume.
Peach and nectarine exports in MY 2025/26 are forecast at 146,000 MT. Between November 2024 and May 2025, exports reached 141,180 MT, a 22.7 percent increase year-on-year, with an export value of US$198.2 million. China received 56,978 MT, while the U.S. imported 36,578 MT.
Consumption
Domestic consumption of cherries in MY 2025/26 is projected at 60,000 MT. Consumption of peaches and nectarines is expected at 60,050 MT, up 3.4 percent from MY 2024/25. Most domestic sales consist of fruit not meeting export standards.
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