- The Committee highlights that it has been a particularly difficult season to estimate, due to the adverse agroclimatic effects that have occurred.
- The entity also points out that this first projection does not include the effects of the recent rains.
The ASOEX Cherry Committee, which represents more than 85% of the volume of Chilean cherry exports to the world, released its first estimate for the 2023-2024 season, estimating total shipments for this year, which began just a few weeks ago, at 95,412,863 million boxes (5 kilos each).
“Although the new estimate shows an increase of 15% compared to last season's shipments, it must be kept in mind that, given the climatic reality that we are facing, this is a volume that varies constantly, so the data will be reduced as the season progresses. What is more certain is that we will continue to send 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,” observed Iván Marambio, president of ASOEX.
In the same vein, Claudia Soler, executive director of the ASOEX Cherry Committee, pointed out: “We have never had a season so difficult to estimate, as volumes vary from week to 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 recent rains, nor adjustments for late setting and abortions in development.”
Based on the scenario described above, Soler added that the Committee will deliver a new estimate at the end of November.
As for the peak, the professional indicated that for this season they are estimating it for week 51. “For this reason, we are working to ensure that shipments are made in the best possible way, both in Chile and abroad. For example, we were recently in China as part of Chile Week, where we were able to visit various markets and meet with importers and retail representatives, who greatly appreciated 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,” noticed.
Finally, it is worth noting that the fact that the Chinese New Year falls on February 10, 2024, also gives the sector more time to make shipments with less pressure than last year, when this celebration fell on January 22.
