It was at the end of October, with the arrival of the first air shipments of Chilean fruit, that the official start of the Chilean cherry season in China was given. According to Zhao Yibin, manager of the air transport department of Shanghai Huizhan International Trade Co., Ltd., to the website producerreport.com, commercial flights loaded with Chilean cherries arrive daily, with a total daily quantity of 20 to 30 pallets. This supply of cherries should increase significantly with the arrival of the “Cherry Charter” which coincides with week 47 (November 21 to 27).
According to the horticultural media “The cherries in the air shipments that have arrived so far are characterized by a firm texture and a dark red to purple color, with a sugar content above 20 degrees Brix.”
The first varieties to arrive were Royal Dawn, Brooks and Santina. Bing, Lapins, Skeena and Kordia should follow, mid-season, and finally Sweetheart and Regina. Everything indicates that Santina, Lapins and Regina will lead Chilean cherry exports.
According to IQonsulting, Chilean cherry exports up to week 44 showed an increase of 88% compared to the same date last season.
As for the first sea shipments, they are expected to arrive in China on December 8-9 (the Seaspan Brightness and MSC Kanoko departed on November 16). The “Cherry Express” services will be of vital importance in the current season marked by a Chinese New Year 10 days earlier than in 2022, where arriving on time will be essential.
According to producerreport.com “According to the most recent schedule, the number of these faster “Cherry Express” routes has increased compared to previous years. Of the total of 50 vessels planned for the transport of Chilean cherries this season, 39 will be “Cherry Express” vessels, while 11 will be normal vessels.”.
According to data provided by the Chilean Association of Fruit Exporters (ASOEX), Chile is expected to export the equivalent of 446,769 tons of cherries this season, i.e. 25% more in volume than the 2021-22 season.
