Argentina's 2025 cherry season started with record prices in both the country's wholesale and retail markets. Limited supply and strong demand from high-income consumers pushed prices to new heights, according to data from the Central Market of Buenos Aires (MCBA).
Harvesting began last week in Mendoza and will soon expand to other regions, especially northern Patagonia. This early start, amid a fruit shortage, led to historic price increases across all sales channels.
According to MCBA data, on October 29, wholesale prices reached 30,400 pesos (US$31.30) per kilogram, a 350% increase from the previous year. The cherries sold are of the Nimba variety, classified as "chosen" and medium-sized. While differences in variety and presentation may influence comparisons, the sharp increase in prices suggests a more active market compared to last year.
In retail markets, a kilogram of cherries sold for as much as 45,000 pesos (US$46.30), roughly 31 dollars at the official exchange rate, tripling the price from the same date in 2024. According to sources from the Central Market quoted by +P, "today those who buy cherries at this time of year are consumers with high purchasing power, from the ABC1 segment, who are willing to pay these prices because they are looking for quality. And when the product is good, price is no longer an obstacle."
Experts note that the domestic market has become more competitive than the international one. Though prices per kilogram exceed US$40 in China, logistics and export costs cut into producers' margins, while local sales tend to be more profitable and involve less risk.
The increased volume of cherries from Mendoza and Patagonia is expected to lower prices in the coming weeks. However, prices probably won't reach 2024 levels due to high production costs and inflation pressures.
Source: lmneuquen.com
