According to a new estimate from the Chilean Cherry Committee of the Chilean Association of Fruit Exporters (ASOEX), Chilean cherry exports to world markets in the 2022/23 season are expected to exceed 80 million boxes.
However, this is lower than expected, according to figures released last October, as 89 million boxes were expected, but if this figure is achieved, a new record would be set for Chilean cherry exports.
Given this situation and China being one of the main markets for fruit exports, Iván Marambio, president of ASOEX, and Claudia Soler, manager of the Chilean Cherry Committee, attended the launching ceremony organized by Liaoning Port Group, where the opening of a new maritime transport route “Cherry Express” to the northern port city of Dalian was announced.
The president of ASOEX referred to this milestone, arguing that: “Despite the many challenges we have faced, China is and will continue to be our main export partner in the Asian region. Our industry is committed to supplying the Chinese market with the best our country has to offer in terms of quality products, during an extended season of availability and that meets the demanding requirements of the Chinese consumer.”
Along the same lines, Marambio emphasized the continued need to diversify port destinations in China to increase consumption of Chilean cherries by penetrating second and third tier cities, with the aim of preserving product quality and reducing costs, delays and logistical backlogs.
“This is a first step to formalize the already existing relationships that Chilean fruit exporters have with the Port of Dalian, which is an important and emerging logistics port hub for northeast China. We will strive to exchange information and good practices aimed at facilitating our exports of fresh products to this region. This is in line with our sector’s strategic objective of diversifying our destination ports in China and therefore strengthening our presence in second and third tier cities,” concluded the president of ASOEX.
Claudia Soler, manager of the Chilean Cherry Committee, had words regarding logistics and the improvement in fruit quality during the current campaign, stating that, “the good growing conditions this season have ensured a high-quality cherry harvest. We seek to stimulate new consumption opportunities, generate consumer confidence in the quality and safety of Chilean cherries and inspire an emotional connection with our product.”
It is worth mentioning that approximately 851 TP3T of all Chilean cherry shipments to China are expected to arrive and be distributed before the Chinese New Year on January 22. While the remaining 151 TP3T would arrive during or after the holiday period.
