The first episode of the second series of Smartcherry TV reports generated numerous reactions; the inaugural episode was broadcast on Thursday night, July 18, at 9:30 p.m., and addressed a topical issue: varietal replacement in the cherry industry.
The report included the relevant participation of the technical advisor, specialist in cherries and stone fruits, Walter Masman, who addressed in depth the need to incorporate new varieties, replace some that are currently produced and the wide range that is available in Chile.
«The emergence of this varietal offer does not have a date in itself, it is particularly associated with the growth of the cherry business here in Chile, where probably if one wanted to put a date on it, this is associated with the growth in surface area and volume, one could estimate approximately from the year 2017-2018, where in relation to a business that begins to mature, to specialize, needs and demands a product that improves what exists today, particularly in quality, and that can satisfy what the client demands today.", commented Walter Masman.
In addition, the first episode featured an interview with Lorena Pinto, product manager for cherries and stone fruits at ANA Chile, an entity that was founded in 1998 as a result of the synergy of four leading companies in the nursery sector. They are currently leading several projects with the aim of providing the fruit industry with new alternatives that contribute to improving its competitiveness through the representation of local and foreign licenses, the creation of their own fruit varieties and the commercial development of these at a national and international level.
«The first plantations of new varieties that we are developing began in 2017, and now, towards 2022, in terms of new varieties that are in the hands of ANA, there will be around 2 million 600 thousand plants that will go into production between 2025 and 2026,» said Lorena Pinto.
Finally, and from the perspective of the producer and exporter, Luis Ahumada, Executive Director of Exportadora Los Olmos and Agrícola Antumapu, gave his vision regarding the experience of planting, producing and exporting new varieties.
«On a commercial level, harvesting earlier has helped a lot, normally all before November 15th and, in addition, having better characteristics in sweetness, firmness, and some in size, has allowed to obtain significantly higher prices than traditional varieties."Ahumada said.
The report, which was sponsored by Kimitec by Quimetal, Fertum, Chemie Agro and GreenNetwork, is the first of 12 chapters that will be part of this second season.
