The cherry exports from Río Negro, Argentina, amounted to 1,846 tons, showcasing a robust year-on-year increase of approximately 43% and a notable 11% rise when juxtaposed with the average of previous campaigns.
Despite this considerable growth, it fell short of surpassing the pinnacle achieved in the 2020-2021 season, which recorded a remarkable 2,365 tons, according to Más Producción.
Primarily centered in the Middle Valley region, cherry production in Río Negro derives a substantial 95% of its export yield from this locale. However, the region’s climate poses considerable challenges to cultivation. An industry insider highlighted, “This season, adverse weather conditions, including hailstorms and heavy rains in December, significantly impacted production. Consequently, a significant portion of initially earmarked export fruit found its way to the domestic market.”
Initially estimated at around 700 tons, losses escalated as field operations resumed. The same source emphasized, “Operating in the Middle Valley sans safeguards against frost, rain, and hail proves financially unviable, given the recurrent climatic challenges.”
According to statistics released by the Argentine Chamber of Integrated Cherry Producers (CAPCI), Río Negro’s share of cherry exports dipped from 39% in the 2020-2021 season to 25% in the current cycle. This 14-percentage-point decline was offset by surges in exports from Neuquén and Chubut. Despite this market share contraction, Río Negro retains its status as the nation’s second-largest cherry-exporting province.
Fresh data from CAPCI reveals that total cherry exports during the ongoing season have surged to a record high of 7,178 tons, marking a substantial 51% uptick compared to the preceding season.
Source: Simfruit / iQonsulting / CAPCI
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