Posts Tagged “Chilean cherry exports”
The U.S is becoming a more significant destination for Chilean cherries this season as exporters are shipping sharply higher volumes to diversify away from China, which still receives about 90 percent of the Andean country’s supplies, according to industry sources.
Shipments to the US have climbed to about 4 million boxes this season, up nearly 53 percent compared to last year, quality control firm Decofrut, which describes the US as a key outlet for balancing global supply amid slower growth in Asia.
The company points out agreements are made under contracts with predefined prices and volumes, which provide greater stability for the exporter and, at the same time, security for the retail customer.
The Chilean cherry season aligns with a strategic winter period in the US, when domestic production is unavailable. Unlike blueberries or grapes, which overlap between hemispheres, cherries only have a marketing window of about three months, making them a seasonal item for retailers.
Grower co-op Copefrut, also reports strong growth for Chilean cherries in the US market.
The cooperative notes the North American market shows a 73 percent increase compared to last season, and projections point to closing the cycle with a total volume 40 percent higher than last year,
Fall has arrived, and that means it’s time to get ready for Chilean Cherries. And when we say get ready, we mean get ready for some great news! Chile projects that cherry exports to the U.S. will see substantial growth in 2021/22, and for the first time, the season will run more than 12 weeks, from November through February. The Chilean Cherry Committee estimates that nearly 13,000 tons will be shipped to the U.S. market during the 2021/22 season.
The first shipments of cherries will depart Chile by early November and will continue through early February.
Chile reigns as the world’s largest exporter of cherries, and continued growth is anticipated over the coming years. While China has been the main receiver of Chilean cherries, the industry is working diligently to develop other markets, including the U.S.
Comments the Chairman of the Cherry Committee, Cristián Tagle, “Diversification and development of markets is crucial for our industry. Chile views the U.S. as a market with enormous potential, and we are committed to investing in its expansion.”
To support the increased volumes flowing into the market, the Committee will fund an expanded marketing program, encompassing numerous consumer and retail components encouraging consumers to “Cherrish the Moment”. Promotions will begin in December and continue through February, with new merchandising material communicating different occasions for enjoying Chilean cherries.
Karen Brux, managing director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) states, “Chilean cherries are a delicious addition to just about anything. Whether shared with family over the holidays, used in a special dessert for Valentine’s Day, given as a gift for Chinese New Year, or just eaten on the sofa while watching TV…there are so many ways to “Cherrish the Moment” with Chilean cherries.” The CFFA’s merchandisers are working with retailers across the country to showcase cherries to their shoppers both in-store and online. Extensive social media and e-commerce programs will provide an additional boost to awareness and shopper demand.
A revised estimate of the production and exports of Chilean cherries predicts an even greater increase compared to what was announced in early November.
The Asoex Chilean Cherry Committee, exports of 326,184 metric tons (MT) (63,236,847 cartons of 5 kg) are predicted, which would be an increase of 38.3 percent over last season. The original estimate was expected to reach 310,352 MT. The figure was also a record in exports for the Latin American country.
Among the top countries receiving Chilean cherry exports are the U.S. South Korea, Brazil, China, India, Vietnam and Thailand.