The past cherry season left important lessons for producers, highlighting the urgent need to re-engage consumers in Chile’s main export markets. This will be one of the central topics addressed by Mario Edwards, president of the Cherry Committee of Frutas de Chile and commercial manager of Agrofruta S.A., at the 1st International Course on Blueberry Production and the 2nd Special Cherry Congress.
Both events will take place on May 26 and 27 at the Monticello Conference Center and will include a Field Day on May 28.
The meetings, led by international advisors Sebastián Ochoa and Patricio Morales, will focus on addressing the main technical and commercial challenges of both crops, in a context of increasing demands from international markets.
Restoring profitability: the central challenge
“Mario Edwards notes, ‘We have had two years with very poor results, so the upcoming season will bring challenges at every level. The main one will be how we manage to restore the industry’s profitability, and for that we need to re-engage customers in each of the markets to which Chile exports its cherries, offering fresh, firm fruit with good flavor, in a context of increasing export volumes.’
The president of the Cherry Committee of Frutas de Chile emphasizes that, at the grower level, the initial challenge will be to achieve efficient production, with cost structures that allow for a sustainable business, supported by high-quality fruit, good flavor, firmness, and adequate yields per hectare. ‘At the same time, exporters must ensure efficient packing and shipping processes, meeting the quality and condition standards required by each market,’ he adds.
On the logistics side, Edwards warns that meeting transit times will be critical, especially for distant markets such as Europe, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, where current transit periods exceed what the fruit can withstand.
He also underscores the importance of optimizing processes such as stacking—often excessive—and the release of containers at destination, in coordination with customs authorities and clients.”
Diversification and commercial management
From a commercial standpoint, Mario Edwards notes that buyers must focus on selling the fruit quickly while maintaining its freshness, quality, and condition—key factors in achieving a strong balance between price and turnover.
“Each stakeholder in the value chain must carefully manage every detail of their processes, even those that may seem minor, as they will be decisive in meeting the objectives,” he adds.
Varieties and seasonal risks
In a context of growing export volumes, Mario Edwards warns about the need to pay close attention to the quality of the Santina variety—which is projected to become the most widely produced in Chile—as well as to new early-season varieties. “Shipping cherries in the first weeks with firmness issues, lack of flavor, or low sugar content can have consequences throughout the entire season, leading to dissatisfied customers who may turn to substitute products such as local blueberries or strawberries, as is the case in China,” he explains.
“Finally, financing—both for growers and exporters—is emerging as another major challenge for the coming months, in a context that will require planning, efficiency, and coordination across the entire value chain,” he concludes.
Mario Edwards will be one of the speakers at the 2nd Special Cherry Congress. Secure your spot at one of the most important technical events in the industry
To purchase your ticket, contact:
Agustina Martínez: +569 7934 1964
