The initial shipment, consisting of 1,400 kilograms of cargo intended for Shanghai, was executed by Global Talsa through the operator Seafrigo Lancargo. Later that day, Garcés Fruit conducted a second shipment of produce from the Coquimbo Region, processed at its Mostazal facility and destined for the Chinese market.
These movements confirm that the early product secures better prices and that air logistics is prepared to capitalize on the initial commercial windows.
The logistics operator noted that Global Talsa’s entire cargo was marketed in Shanghai, indicating early Chinese demand during the initial weeks when international supply remained limited. Meanwhile, Garcés Fruit appreciated the increased efficiency in security procedures at Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, thanks to the certification granted by the Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) in December 2024.
This certification recognizes it as an approved shipper, enabling reduced inspections and the ability to maintain the cold chain, thus ensuring the product’s quality upon arrival.
The initial shipments also featured new varieties, notably the AG2 variety. This highlights how genetic improvements and post-harvest practices are expanding the early harvest to central regions of the country. For exporters, key considerations remain processing speed, maintaining cold integrity, and the capacity to deliver the product promptly to the destination.
The initial shipments are being transported by air, but the industry is making preparations to transition to maritime transport. CMA CGM has announced that the 2025 Cherry Express seasonal service will commence operations at the end of November, with eight sailings originating from the Port of San Antonio and an estimated transit time of 23 days to Shanghai.
The CMA CGM Legacy will be the first vessel to depart on November 28, followed by weekly sailings designed to handle the December export peak without damaging the fruit’s quality. For growers, this means adjusting harvests and packing schedules based on ETDs and securing space with shipping lines and logistics providers.
While initial air shipments let exporters secure the best prices in the first few weeks, most of the exporters will return to sea shipments starting at the end of November.
Source: Fresh Plaza
