According to figures provided by the Chilean Exporters Association (ASOEX), which represents more than 85% of the volume of cherry exports to the world, shipments of the fruit this year will be 95,412,863 million boxes (5 kilograms each) for the 2023-2024 season.
This is a projection that, even though it is lower than what was initially believed, around 100 million boxes, continues to position the country as the largest exporter worldwide.
“Although the new estimate shows an increase of 15% compared to last season’s shipments, we must keep in mind that, given the climatic reality that is being faced, it is a volume that varies constantly, which is why the data will be updated as the season progresses. What is certain is that we will continue sending cherries of very good quality, size and flavor to the world to ensure that consumers can enjoy this Chilean fruit, especially in China, our main destination,” said Iván Marambio, president of ASOEX.
New figures to come
In that sense, Claudia Soler, executive director of the association explained that “we have never had a season so difficult to estimate, since the volumes vary week by week, especially due to agro climatic issues that we have been facing as a sector. For this reason, this first estimate does not include the effect of the latest rains, nor adjustments for late fruit set and abortions in development.”
According to the scenario described above, Soler added that the Committee will deliver a new estimate at the end of November.
Regarding the peak, it was indicated that for this season they are estimating it for week 51. “For this reason, we are working so that shipments are carried out in the best possible way, both in Chile and abroad. For example, we were recently in China within the framework of Chile Week, where we were able to visit various markets and meet with importers and retail representatives, who highly valued this visit as it was prior to the start of the season. In addition, we held workshops for representatives of the wholesale markets of Chengdu and Shanghai, where we were able to address the promotional actions that will accompany our new cherry season in China,” she concluded.
Finally, the fact that the Chinese New Year is celebrated on February 10, 2024, also gives the sector more time to make shipments with less pressure than last year, which celebrated the traditional holiday on January 22.
