CHERRY FRESH FOCUS
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Handling growth
Cherry trade has its hands full with challenges as global production continues to rise
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CHERRY FRESH FOCUS
Growth challengesbrings
Growth is being driven by a number of key producing countries, namely Chile, Turkey and China
Over the past 20 years, global cherry production has been on a steady increase. As you can read in this edition’s global trend report (p2-3), courtesy of Fresh Intelligence’s Wayne Prowse, overall production has increased about 5 per cent per year during this time. More recently growth is being driven by a number of key producing countries, namely Chile, Turkey and China. Chile is on track for another explosion in growth for the 2024/25 season, with early forecasts predicting an increase of up to 50 per cent in production. This dramatic rise is set to magnify many of the challenges facing Chile, challenges which are consistent across the international cherry trade. How the leading Southern Hemisphere exporter responds may prove instructive. Success starts in the orchard and maintaining quality as production expands will be vital. Consumers are becoming more discerning about quality and demanding when it comes to size. How do you return value to growers for fruit not guaranteed to achieve a premium price? Biosecurity is another factor at front of mind. The detection of fruit fly has required additional phytosanitary measures including cold treatment for a portion of the Chilean crop, putting a supply chain strained by increased volume under further pressure. Logistics will be stressed as well. Chile has already set the standard when it comes to shipping fruit to far-flung markets but the limits of the cherry supply chain will be be further tested by more fruit and efforts to diversify into markets like India. However Chile handles these hurdles, there will be lessons to be learned and with more growth on the horizon, it’s essential to take note.
Liam O’Callaghan Editor
Cherry powerhouses drive global growth
A selection of key producers and import markets are driving change in the global cherry trade.
by Wayne Prowse
Over the past 20 years, global cherry production has steadily grown, from just under 3mn tonnes in 2003 to 5mn in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3 per cent. There have been seasonal dips and rises but overall the international cherry trade has seen a long term upward trend.
However, this trajectory has not been evenly distributed across production regions. Some of the top producing countries stand out as the drivers of growth. While Europe as a region remains the largest producer at 1.88mn tonnes or 37 per cent of global production, Turkey is the world’s largest cherry producing nation, growing 830,000 tonnes in 2022. Turkey accounts for 17 per cent of global production and
has grown at a rate of 17 per cent over the past 20 years.
Elsewhere in the Northern Hemisphere, North America has shown some slight growth while China has increased at a CAGR of 24 per cent in the past two decades to produce 650,000 tonnes in 2022. China now accounts for 13 per cent of global production.
The largest growth has come from South America, mainly Chile, rising from almost nothing to 445,000 tonnes in the last 20 years at a CAGR of more than 30 per cent.
CHERRY TRADE
In 2023, 817,000 tonnes of cherries were traded globally which accounts for around 16 per cent of cherry production and represents a 15 per cent increase on the year prior.
In terms of imports by region,
Canada and the US have remained relatively steady over the last 20 years. In 2023/24 the two North American markets imported 52,000 tonnes, an annual increase of 15 per cent.
European cherry imports have also experienced long-term growth, sitting just above 100,000 tonnes in 2002 and spiking above 200,00 tonnes in 2021. European cherry imports reached 196,000 tonnes in 2023 which represented a recovery from a down 2022. This volume is mostly intra-European but there is some external volume from South America in particular.
The one market to watch is Asia: imports increased 6 per cent from 2022 to 2023 and have grown from almost nothing to 440,000 tonnes to make Asia the largest importer of cherries. The majority of this growth has come from Chile, which
Cherry imports by region 2002-2023
Source: ITC Trademap based on import data; Fresh Intelligence analysis
Global cherry production trend 2002-2022
Source: FAOSTAT, USDA, Hort Stats Handbook; Fresh Intelligence analysis
Cherry global export trade growth
2002/03-2023/24
Source: ITC Trademap based on import data; Fresh Intelligence analysis
has been a driver of the cherry export trade in the last decade.
In the 2023/24 season, Chile exported 414,000 tonnes, which accounted for 96 per cent of Southern Hemisphere cherry exports. Of this, 94 per cent was exported to Asia.
ASIA FOCUS
The standout trade lane in the global cherry trade is Southern Hemisphere exports into Asia, particularly in the past ten years. During this period total Southern Hemisphere exports to all markets have grown at 18.4 per cent CAGR, peaking around 430,000 tonnes at the end of the 2023/24 season.
The vast majority of these go to Asia, which imported 397,679 tonnes in 2023/24, including 387,942 tonnes from Chile. Of this, Chile sent 376,077 tonnes to China and 932 tonnes to Hong Kong.
The other Southern Hemisphere suppliers to Asia come in with much smaller totals. In 2023/24 Australia exported 3,828 tonnes to Asia, New Zealand shipped 3,648 tonnes, Argentina 2,134 tonnes and South Africa 91 tonnes.
The other top cherry import markets in Asia beyond China include Taiwan, which imported 6,222 tonnes in 2023/24, Korea which imported 3,562 tonnes, Hong Kong which took 2,436 tonnes, Vietnam with 2,339 tonnes and Thailand with 1,545 tonnes.
Taiwan and Korea have remained fairly steady over the past decade, with Vietnam showing the most growth with a five-year CAGR of 5.3 per cent.
Another market displaying growth off a low base is India, which reached 483 tonnes of imports in 2023/24.
Tomra’s LUCAi delivers gains for packhouses
AI-powered grading solution is reducing labour costs and enhancing packouts for global cherry suppliers.
by Liam O’Callaghan
Tomra Food launched LUCAi, its deep learning AI-powered grading platform, for cherries in 2023 and the response from its customer base has been resounding.
The solution has now been installed in several hundred lanes across a number of key global growing regions.
Global segment director -
LEFT—Tomra’s Benedetta Ricci Iamino
CENTRE—Tim Sambado of Prima Frutta
BOTTOM—LUCAi harnesses the power of AI
and maximise the value of every cherry,” she says.
“It also enhances pack quality and consistency, minimising waste and increasing premium yields.”
California's cherry and apple supplier, Prima Frutta, says the technology has alleviated the stress caused by frequent false positives associated with traditional smart map systems.
“LUCAi bolstered my confidence in grading more aggressively, as I no longer feared over grading due to the system's reliable performance,” says David Eager – line operator of Prima Frutta.
“LUCAi proved to be highly beneficial for us,” adds Prima Frutta’s Tim Sambado. “Notably, it effectively addressed the issue of stem overlap being classified as a spur or defect. This improvement contributed to a more accurate differentiation between the Peddler (local market) and cull categories, providing a clearer distinction in quality selection.”
cherry and processed vegetables, Benedetta Ricci Iamino, says North American and Europe/ Middle East customers have been reporting reduced labour costs and improvements in the efficiency of their lines.
“LUCAi’s enhanced user-friendly interface ensures operators of all levels will maintain complete control of each pre-trained model
Ricci Iamino says by preventing accidental downgrades of good fruit LUCAi is eliminating manual grading slowdowns, reducing food waste, increasing customers’ returns as they can pack more fruit at a faster rate, while ensuring higher returns to their growers. These improvements seen by customers will only increase year-on-year, she notes.
“LUCAi’s advanced software intelligence maintains consistency across seasons, batches, varieties, and operators’ capabilities, ensuring smooth operations and high confidence in the machine performance” she highlights.
For Italian fresh produce company Giacovelli, a repeat performance will be welcome.
“For the first time ever, when we look to the rejects carton, it is definitely a great rejects carton, and the packed fruit is good,” says Giacovelli owner, Piero Giacovelli.
Unitec and innovation: technological solutions for cherry sorting
Cutting-edge solutions help cherry trade overcome weather challenges.
In 2024, cherry production faced numerous challenges due to climatic conditions that affected both the amount and the quality of the harvest. Late frosts, heavy rains, and other weatherrelated events put significant pressure on growers, drastically reducing production in some cases. Despite these challenges, the demand for cherries remained high, with prices rising especially for premium-quality fruit.
In this complex scenario, Unitec technologies have provided a decisive solution for the industry. Advanced systems like Cherry Vision 3.0 and 3.5 AI have revolutionised the way cherries are selected and sorted. Thanks to the use of artificial
intelligence, these technologies allow packhouses to detect external defects with extreme precision, such as imperfections in the skin or variations in colour and shape, ensuring that only high-quality
fruit is delivered to the market.
Additionally, with the use of cutting-edge sensors, Unitec’s sorting systems can also analyse the internal parameters of cherries, thus maximising the value of every single fruit. Indeed, with UNIQ Cherry, it is possible to detect ripeness and firmness, further enhancing the effectiveness of the sorting process. These innovative solutions enable fruit packhouses to significantly boost operational margins, drastically reduce labour costs, and enter new markets by offering consistent quality to customers — a key factor in building trust between the parties.
Thanks to these advanced technologies, all developed in-house by Unitec’s R&D department at its headquarters in Italy, producers are better equipped to handle climate challenges while maintaining a high level of competitiveness. They can bring guaranteed quality cherries to market, even under adverse weather conditions.
ABOVE—Artificial intelligence enhances defect detection
LEFT—Unitec technology can help packhouses manage the fallout of poor weather
Chile braced for 59 per cent hike in cherry exports in 2024/25
Shipments set to achieve a new record due to surge in new plantings.
by Maura Maxwell
Chilean cherry exports are forecast to reach a record 657,935 tonnes, equivalent to 131.6mn (5kg) cartons, in 2024/25, representing an increase of 59 per cent on last season.
The estimates were announced by the Chilean Cherry Committee at the annual Cherry Blossom event in Chimbarongo, which marks the official start of the Chilean cherry season.
The committee’s executive director, Claudia Soler, said the forecast is based on the data provided by the members of the Cherry Committee, between 23 September and 1 October, and could be subject to change during the season.
“Last season was one of the most complicated that the sector experienced in terms of climate, which resulted in export volumes remaining unchanged on the previous campaign. This season, the agro-climatic conditions have been good and we therefore anticipate that we will achieve the growth that we did not have last season, plus the expected increases for this one,” Soler said.
Chile has undergone a major expansion in planted area, peaking between 2019 and 2021. As a result, significant jumps in production are expected between the 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons.”
In terms of varieties, Santina is expected to account for 38.3mn cartons, an increase of 121 per cent on last season. Lapins shipments
are projected to reach 45.7mn cartons, up 29 per cent on 2023/24; Regina volumes are up 53 per cent at 24.3mn cartons and the rest of the varieties will make up the remaining 23.2mn cartons.
China will continue to be the main destination market for Chilean cherries, but Soler said the industry would continue to diversify exports to other markets both inside and outside Asia.
The committee has earmarked more than US$9mn for marketing this year, an increase of 118 per cent compared to last season.
“This is the year to carry out powerful campaigns that stimulate greater purchases from our current consumers”
“We are convinced that this is the year to carry out powerful campaigns that stimulate greater purchases from our current consumers and an increase in new consumers. These promotions will be especially focused on China, the US and Korea. We will also begin to work with greater resources in India – if logistics allow it – and we will start a programme in Brazil,” Soler said.
BELOW—The 2024/25 season forecast was announced at the annual Cherry Blossom event in Chimbarongo
Understanding Chilean cherry growth
Raboresearch’s Gonzalo Salinas outlined key considerations for the Chilean cherry industry at the Summit in Chile.
by Liam O’Callaghan
The Chilean fruit trade gathered in Santiago on 22 October for the Summit in Chile organised by Fruit Logistica and Asia Fruit Logistica in partnership with ProChile and Fruitnet.
In the session ‘Charting a path for cherries’, Gonzalo Salinas, Raboresearch’s senior FAR analyst – fresh produce, delivered a presentation on the landscape for Chilean cherries ahead of a recordbreaking season.
Salinas said the 2024/25 Chilean cherry crop is forecast to increase 59 per cent year-on-year and surpass 600,000 tonnes. This will see cherries become the country’s top fruit export.
“I want to highlight how important this will be in the context of the Chilean fresh fruit exports,” said Salinas.
“In the past 20 seasons, we have moved from a scenario where apples and grapes were the leaders
in terms of volume and value. In the next season in particular we will see how important cherries will become. They were already the leader in terms of value, but they will become the leader in terms of volume as well.”
The vast majority of this volume will be exported to China and Salinas said there are opportunities to develop consumption away from the tier-1 coastal regions, even if they will remain key markets.
“The ideal consumer for cherries might still be located on the coast but in terms of provincial GDP in the last five years we are seeing that most of the growth is driven by in regions in the interior of China.
“In the past five years, we've also seen a similar trend in China in terms of retail growth (total retail sales). So the message is to look more at the interior of the country to find new clients.”
Salinas also noted 2024 marked the earliest arrival of the first Southern Hemisphere cherries in the China market on 13 October. Although exporters have been working on developing earlier varieties, he said early season volumes had still fluctuated over recent years which suggested the timing of the season was still the most important factor in Chile’s supply window.
ABOVE—Cherries will become Chile’s top fruit export this season
LEFT—Gonzalo Salinas presents at the Summit in Chile
Sweet spot
Argentina’s cherry export industry is small but profitable thanks to the country’s ideal growing conditions and well diversified markets.
by Maura Maxwell
Frosts and fruit fly challenges have failed to dampen the enthusiasm of Argentine cherry producers as they ease into the new season.
Aníbal Caminiti, manager of the Argentine Chamber of Integrated Cherry Producers (Capsi), says early forecasts point to an export volume of around 8,000 tonnes. Harvesting in Mendoza began in the third week of October, before moving on to Río Negro at the end of that month and then to Neuquén, Chubut and Santa Cruz. Around 90 per cent of Argentina’s cherry exports are from the southern region of Patagonia, where conditions are ideal for the cultivation of high-quality, large, firm and sweet fruit.
In a good year, around half of the crop is exported – last year Argentina shipped almost 7,200 tonnes of fresh cherries. While this figure is dwarfed by the volumes coming out of neighbouring Chile, Argentina nevertheless has a thriving industry and the quality of its cherries is valued internationally. Thanks to its
early production window and well diversified export markets, the crop generates good returns for growers. Most shipments are airfreighted, allowing exporters to respond quickly to changing market dynamics and take advantage of periods of low supply.
Between them, China and the US accounted for around twothirds of Argentina’s total export volume last year, but the country also ships to other markets like Europe and the Middle East.
The predominant varieties grown include Royal Down, Santina, Lapins, Sweetheart and Regina. All adapt well to the country's climatic conditions and have strong commercial appeal. In the southernmost areas, such as Chubut and Santa Cruz, Kordia is also becoming popular due to its resistance and the high quality of its fruit. More recently, new varieties such as Nimba, Pacific Red and Friscos have also been gaining ground.
Argentina currently has 4,695 acres (1,900ha) destined for cherry production, according to a 2021/22 report by the country’s Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.
In 2015, acreage in Mendoza fell by 25 per cent, while in the Northern Patagonia region, it increased by 10 per cent. Productive areas saw uneven growth from 2016 onwards.
“Very little is being planted annually, more or less around 242 to 497 acres (100-200ha), which is basically just orchard renovations or expansion of companies already in the business,” Caminiti indicates. “Argentina’s growth has been stagnant in terms of area for more than ten years.”
Electronic cherry could help Argentine producers cut losses
Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology (Inta) has developed an electronic cherry to track its journey through the packing and transportation process. With similar dimensions and weight to a typical variety grown in the country, the device uses a wireless bluetooth transmitter, rechargeable lithium batteries and an accelerometer to collect data on its movement and the places on its surface where it receives the most knocks. This information is then fed back to packers to help them improve processes, reduce discarded fruit and increase profitability.
Cherries suffer impact during the packaging and transport processes that later cause pitting on their skin, which decreases their commercial value. According to Inta, around 5 per cent of cherries are lost to pitting. It estimates that the electronic cherry could help cut losses by as much as 50 per cent.
LEFT—Around half of Argentina’s cheert crop is exported
Riverking ready for Chilean season
By launching the first batch of the new Chilean cherry season, Riverking has sent a strong message to the market that it is ready.
by Winnie Wang
The first delivery of Chilean cherries for the 2024/25 season landed at Shanghai Pudong Airport on 12 October and was transferred to Shanghai Huizhan Market on 14 October, according to Chinese fruit importer, Riverking.
“Although the first batch of arrivals is not large, only 80 boxes, the quality has been well received by the market,” says Sean Chen of Riverking.
Founded in 2003, Riverking has focused on sourcing high-quality fruits from around the world for the past 21 years. Chilean cherries have long been a key product for the company, and the scale of its
business continues to grow.
“Cherries are our top strategic category at Riverking," Chen says.
"We not only have achieved year-round supply, but also have established deep relationships with major cherry-producing regions and suppliers in Chile, Argentina, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Our cherry import volume ranks among the top three importers in China.”
Riverking's long-standing commitment to providing highquality products and improving supply chain service levels is set to hold the company in good stead this season as it prepares for significant growth.
“It is widely known in the industry that this year Chilean cherry exports could exceed 300,000 containers, which is undoubtedly a real challenge for those in the sector,” Chen says.
“Riverking has prepared a comprehensive sales strategy for the season. The first arrival of Chilean cherries serves as a strong message to our customers and partners that we are ready.
“We started the planning in the first half of the year. From coordinating air and sea transportation capacity to selecting ports and distributing cargo based on sales markets, as well as customs clearance and logistics for both short and longdistance transport, all processes are being conducted in an orderly manner as planned,” Chen adds.
Riverking's own wholesale stalls across the country are key to its rapid turnover.
“Speed is crucial in fruit operations,” he points out.
“Goods arriving at ports in a planned manner during the season will be quickly allocated to our 11 wholesale stalls, while also distributing through various online and offline channels.”
Chen notes that as the primary sales market for Chilean cherries, China possesses unique advantages such as off-season markets and significant holidays like the Spring Festival. Coupled with extensive industry promotion and consumer guidance, Chilean cherries are becoming increasingly common in everyday consumption scenarios.
“China is vast and has significant untapped markets waiting to be developed. Consistent quality is also a positive factor for Chilean cherries,” he states.
BELOW—The first batch of arrivals was enthusiastically welcomed by the market
Asian markets can consume more cherries
China and other markets in Asia have the capacity to absorb massive increase in Chilean volumes, says JWM Asia’s GM of trade, Danny Guo. But quality control, channel diversification and targeted marketing are key to success.
by John Hey
The Chilean cherry crop is forecast to grow by almost 60 per cent this year. China is expected to take the majority of this extra production. Does China have the capacity to consume the increased volume without significant price depreciation? Is
there enough packing, shipping and logistics capacity to handle and ship this kind of volume?
Danny Guo: JWM Asia is excited for the coming Chile cherry season.
actively preparing our distribution platforms to lead the industry’s Asian cherry distribution. In anticipation of volume growth, we have been working closely with industry stakeholders, including our supply and distribution partners, as well as airlines »
BLO085_Eurofruit_Cerezas_halfpage_171x127_EXPANDED copy.pdf 1 24/10/24 9:10 AM
ABOVE—Danny Guo, JWM Asia’s general manager of trade, promotes Chilean cherries in Thailand
“Quality control is crucial. As long as the shipment arrives in a good condition, the fruit should continue to flow”
and shipping lines to ensure our ambitious targets are met.
Last year, supply was affected by the weather, making this year’s increase seem even more significant. Structural investments have been made by the industry on the production side to accommodate this growth. For example, new packing facilities with state-of-the-art packing lines and automation have been added to optimise efficiency. In terms of shipping and logistics, significant strides have been made to prevent bottlenecks by utilising various ports for cherry express vessels and ensuring quick distribution, allowing for efficient penetration of second- and third-tier markets.
What are the keys to a successful season in your view?
DG: There are a few key factors. First and foremost, quality control is crucial. As long as the shipment arrives in a good condition, the fruit should continue to flow, even more so at a lower price. Poor quality arrivals will get stuck and potentially congest the market.
Secondly, it is critical to diversify through various sales channels to grow the business sustainably. Extra efforts need to be made to penetrate different market segments and expand the total addressable market. With unprecedented volumes being sold and markets still recovering from the post-Covid slump, price expectations should be managed carefully.
Finally, marketing activity will be essential. Due to the
current economic environment, consumers are more selective on their spending, and there is a lot of choice. Therefore, targeted and localised marketing campaigns will be important to increase exposure and consumer preference. Our local teams are working closely with our partners to plan these tactics, including collaborations with various retailers across the region. Packaging designs and formats will also be impactful to differentiate and expand market segments. For example, luxurious gift packaging options with attractive designs,
DG: With growing industry volumes, it’s critical to diversify into different markets. Each market is at a different level of maturity, and it’s clear that Asian markets still have a lot of room for further growth. Generally, Korea and Taiwan are the most established, but Vietnam is the rising star in the region. Thailand will remain an important market where cherries are very popular.
India presents a significant growth opportunity for the Chilean industry. Efforts have been made to improve logistical solutions, which will be key to supplying the market with the shortest possible lead times.
What are the main challenges to export diversification?
DG: One of the main challenges remains the unstable market environments in the post-Covid slump. Markets will be volatile and could change drastically in a short period of time.
That being said, cherries are one of the fastestgrowing categories in terms of consumption in SouthEast Asia. They are the number one product to excite both distributors and consumers. In recent years, most markets have experienced ups and downs, but cherries
weighing 1kg, 2kg, and 2.5kg, are typically favoured for gifting, whereas clamshell punnets and bulk packs are more preferred by consumers due to their affordability.
Do you see other markets in Asia such as Vietnam, Thailand, Korea and India taking a higher percentage of the Chilean cherry crop this year?
are usually amongst the products least affected. Furthermore, logistics could pose a potential challenge. While the cherry express vessels are reliable, we have encountered frequent delays during transshipments to Asian markets. Joy Wing Mau Group has put additional efforts into this area to control supply chain variables as much as possible.
ABOVE—Frutas de Chile president Iván Marambio visited Vietnam earlier this year with JWM Asia to explore the market
Cherry Princess achieves efficient planting
Planting technologies provide production flexibility and improve cherry yield and quality.
by Winnie Wang
Liaoning Manyuanchun
Ecological
Agriculture’s
‘Cherry Princess Ranran’ brand made its Asia Fruit Logistica debut in 2024 attracting significant attention.
According to Song Jie, deputy general manager of Manyuanchun, the company was established in 2016 with a total investment of around Rmb50mn (US$7.01mn). It consists of three main business segments for cherries: nursery, planting and picking.
In terms of cherry planting, the company has built 64 highstandard greenhouses in Dengta City, Liaoyang province. Covering a planting area of 7ha, it includes over 80,000 cherry trees with advanced planting techniques.
"We have introduced dwarfing, dense and movable planting technologies," Song explains.
"One major advantage of this technology is that it does not occupy arable land; it can utilise national wasteland, barren land, and abandoned mine land without geographical restrictions, allowing for comprehensive coverage. This innovation not only improves production efficiency but also reduces environmental impact, achieving sustainable agricultural development."
The introduction of this technology has significantly improved both the yield and quality of cherries, according to Song.
"Traditionally planted large
trees take six to seven years to bear fruit, while dwarf and densely planted trees can produce fruit by the third year, making them more effective than traditional planting," she says.
"Currently, the average yield per tree ranges from 2.5kg to 4kg, with a large size fruit rate of 80-90 per cent, and the proportion of inferior fruit less than 10 per cent. Additionally, the sweetness of the cherries ranges between 18-22o Brix, meeting the market demand for high-quality cherries."
Cherry Princess Ranran has implemented distributed planting in various production regions across the country, including Hotan in Xinjiang and Xingping in Shaanxi province, so the supply period can be extended from March to mid-June.
"Through this strategy, the brand can effectively cover market demands at different times of the year,
ensuring a continuous supply of fresh cherries," Song states.
The brand has also diversified its sales strategy, combining online and offline models.
"We have established a complete IoT sales system by collaborating with well-known e-commerce platforms like Douyin (TikTok) and Alibaba, as well as fruit retailers like Pagoda," she points out.
Moreover, Cherry Princess Ranran actively utilises social media for brand promotion, cooperating with various media outlets to enhance brand awareness and reputation.
"We place great importance on brand promotion and hope to strengthen consumer trust and improve the brand image through this approach," Song emphasises.
The brand is also actively developing picking businesses to attract visitors and increase the company's visibility.
"Although the cherry picking season is relatively short and this business only accounts for a small portion of our operations, this strategy effectively broadens the company's profit channels while enhancing interaction and connection with customers," she notes.
ABOVE—Dwarf and densely planted trees can produce fruit by the third year
Demand outstrips supply for 2024 US cherry season
Fourth-largest West Coast crop in history with excellent quality kept demand high for US cherries as season came to a close in mid-August.
by Jeff Long
Growing sweet cherries can be analogous to taking a ride on a rollercoaster: down drastically in volume one year; up substantially the next. This has certainly been the case for the US industry over the last few seasons. In 2022, for instance, the collective output from the Pacific Northwest and California – where the vast majority of the country’s sweet cherries are grown – added up to just 18.2mn (9.1kg) cartons due to extreme weather during the months leading up to the respective harvests. However, in 2021, the two regions combined to ship 29mn cartons and last year just over 28mn cartons. Though, the delayed California crop did overlap with the Northwest season by several weeks, resulting in over-supplied markets and depressed
prices for most of the 2023 season.
In 2024, despite the fourthlargest US West Coast crop in history, overlapping production was minimal and the combination of excellent fruit quality and large sizes kept demand outstripping supply for most of the Northwest season – one that finished much too early as far as growers were concerned.
“The season finished two weeks earlier than normal, which was a result of both the heat during the season and the fact
that many of our late orchards in Washington were (hurt) by a freeze this past winter,” says president of Northwest Cherry Growers (NWCG) and Northwest Cherries, BJ Thurlby. “Most markets were disappointed that the season finished in mid-August.”
MIXED RESULTS FOR CALIFORNIA
California usually kicks off the North American season in late April, which was the case again this year. Due to this early start, California’s cherry production often is impacted by wet, cool spring growing conditions. For instance, state production averaged just 5.64m shipped cartons between 2018 and 2022, exceeding 8m cartons only once during that time span. The last two seasons averaged 9m cartons, a level that California is capable of in any given year if conditions cooperate. The 2024 season was one of mixed results for the California industry, however.
OPPOSITE—California kicked of the US cherry season in April
BELOW—The Coral Champagne variety is in demand from export markets
PHOTOS—California Cherries
NEW PLANTINGS IN NORTHWEST
the Northwest would be late ripening cultivars. Not necessarily.
“Comparing to recent years, 2024 was better – but nothing I would call good,” says Marc Calder of Primavera Marketing, one of the state’s largest cherry shippers. “Pricing, especially for small fruit, was too low from the beginning thanks to an over-abundant set. And exports continued to struggle, largely from less favourable varieties harvested during the first half of the season and marginal quality. Economies have also provided headwinds that are very difficult to overcome.”
Coral Champagne continues to be the leading variety since it has proven to be more adaptable to the different growing climates across the state whereas the traditional, but more weather susceptible, Bing variety remains concentrated in the northern districts near Stockton.
As for the Pacific Northwest, Washington remains the dominant producer among the five-state growing region responsible for more than two-thirds of the nation’s sweet cherries annually. With the potential for a significant overlap with California at any time, it might be expected that any new orchards planted across
“There have been some new plantings in recent years but mostly in early harvest areas,” says Thurlby.
Industry sources note that Coral Champagne has been receiving increased interest from Northwest growers because that variety is perceived to be more highly demanded by export markets than other early cultivars.
ROBUST EXPORT DEMAND
Strong demand from export markets has long
been a key component to any successful season for the US cherry industry as it diverts significant volume from the domestic market while returning premium prices. However, short crops, trade disputes with key import markets, and the massive disruption to international supply channels from the Covid-19 pandemic have combined to limit Northwest cherry exports over the last five years to 28.5 per cent of total volume compared to 33 per cent during the previous period. It remains to be seen whether the Northwest’s foreign trade will rebound to previous levels in the years to come. Strong fruit quality has a way of rekindling demand, however.
“Even though the 2024 winter damage wiped out most of the
late-season volume, the overall quality of the fruit was exceptionally good this year,” notes Keith Hu, director of international
operations for the NWCG. “No complaints from our foreign markets except the season was too short!”
ABOVE—Export markets were eager for US cherries
Store cherries longer!
Use of innovative low-pressure storage technology to extend the cherry season in the Pacific Northwest.
by Brendon Anthony, PhD
RipeLocker has developed a pallet-size hypobaric (low pressure) storage chamber that extends the storage life of perishables. How does it work? The low-pressure environment enables an ultra-low oxygen environment that dramatically reduces the respiration rate of perishables, which helps extend their postharvest potential.
Cherries are an excellent candidate for the RipeLocker technology, as the limited seasonality of cherries drives high consumer demand and pricing for this specialty crop, especially at the tail end of the season when volumes begin to drop. If you can store cherries for up to 60 days,
growers and packers can capitalise on higher pricing, ship to further markets and time the market appropriately to maximise profits.
So, why doesn’t everyone store cherries longer? Well, they are
4566 Point White Drive NE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 www.ripelocker.com info@ripelocker.com
LEFT—RipeLocker chambers full of Lapins cherries at the end of the Pacific Northwest cherry season. Chambers staged to be opened and packed. When the majority of all other cherries had already been packed and shipped, RipeLockers full of fresh cherries remained. Fruit passed quality control without exceptions and was packed the third week of August 2024
BELOW—Opening of early season Lapins cherries that were picked before the heatwave in Washington State in 2024 and held for 45 days in the RipeLocker
extremely difficult to store, as both the fruit and the stem need to be maintained in excellent condition. The primary challenges that long-term storage of cherries faces include: stem browning and fruit pitting, softening, decay and a loss of flavour due to sugar and acid metabolism.
The RipeLocker mitigates all of these issues with its low-pressure environment. How? Under vacuum conditions, the air is 100 per cent saturated with water vapour, maintaining an extremely high relative humidity, which prevents stem dehydration and fruit weight loss. Additionally, the ultra-low oxygen environment inhibits the growth of decay pathogens and halts respiration, which slows down the utilisation of sugars and acids to fuel metabolism, thus maintaining the flavour of the fruit.
After six years of research and applied trials, the RipeLocker team, in cooperation with Gebbers Farms and Chelan Fresh, optimised the handling, harvesting and storage processes to enable long-term storage of cherries in low-pressure storage chambers (RipeLockers).
Specifically, during the 2024 Pacific Northwest season, 38 RipeLockers were loaded with Lapins cherries in earlyand mid-July and were opened, packed and sent to a retailer mid- to late-August. Fruit was accepted without exception and met the quality standards of the retailer. Two RipeLockers were kept for an additional month and were opened and evaluated mid-September, 60 and 75 days after harvest. The fruit stored in RipeLockers still had bright green stems, firm, bright-red fruit, with great flavour and crispness.
Although cherries are delicate, the RipeLocker technology and handling processes enable long-term storage (more than 60 days) of this seasonal and valuable crop. RipeLocker continues to refine the process and scale the technology in this industry.
Reid Fruits adds capacity in preparation for increased production
Leading Tasmanian grower-marketer boosts capacity by 40 per cent as part of “major building extension” to its packhouse.
by Bree Caggiati
Following a successful 2023 season, Tasmanian cherry grower-marketer, Reid Fruits, has embarked on a renovation project set to expand its operational capacity by 40 per cent.
“We’ve undertaken a major building extension at our packing facility to accommodate installation of a new, larger grader and additional carton packing outlets in one of our two packing lines,” says Tony Coad, Reid Fruits’ marketing and sales manager.
“The new grader also has the latest grading and AI sorting technology from GP Graders.”
At the same time, Coad says Reid Fruits has upgraded to the latest Ellips AI sorting technology on its pre-established second
packing line.
This expansion makes up the first stage in a design that will allow Reid Fruits to add additional packing capacity in the future as needed.
“This project has really come together since the end of last season,” Coad says.
Harvest for Tasmanian cherry growers doesn’t start until December, Coad says Reid Fruits is optimistic for the season ahead following good weather through winter and spring.
“We’ve had a relatively mild winter and spring which has set the trees up really well to produce some excellent quality at harvest,” he says. “At this stage, we have an exceptional fruit set and are
expecting an increase in production of 10-15 per cent.”
With this in mind, Reid Fruits is looking to increase its export sales across Asia, the US and Europe this season.
“We have a loyal and valued customer base in around 20 markets globally and we work hard to support all of them as much as possible each season,” Coad says. "We expect our main markets this season will again be Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the US, Japan, Singapore and Korea.
“We’ll also be looking to increase our sales in Indonesia, the Philippines and Cambodia as well as to reconnect with some customers in the Middle East and European markets.”
This season will also see Reid Fruits offer a new range of premium gift bags with all its 1kg and 2kg cartons.
“For our export markets we ship in outer cartons of 12 x 1kg and 6 x 2kg boxes and we’re also upgrading these to a new colourful pre-print design,” Coad says.
The new design will feature a stronger board
OPPOSITE BOTTOM—New packaging features colourful designs
ABOVE—The packhouse expansion will boost capacity by 40 per cent
RIGHT—Reid Fruits is testing new early varieties
grade which will further elevate the premium appearance of the packaging as well as offer better protection for the cherries during shipment.
The packaging will continue to feature Laava Fingerprint digital technology, with an updated label design set to be released at the beginning of the season.
“We are now in the fifth year of our partnership with the team at Laava,” Coad says. “[The technology] enables consumers to use their phone to easily scan the unique code on each box of Reid Fruits cherries to check they are getting the genuine product.”
Scanning the code provides an opportunity to learn more about the Reid Fruits story and its premium cherry offering.
“We’re also continuing to work
with Source Certain and their TSW provenance testing technology,” Coad details. “Over the last three seasons the Source Certain team have established an extensive database which enables us to check and identify the provenance of our cherries back to our individual orchards.”
As Reid Fruits continues to expand its production, Coad says it is exploring opportunities with new varieties, particularly in the early season period.
“[We] hope to be able to offer some exciting new cherries in this space in the future,” he says.
OPPOSITE TOP—Growing conditions have been ideal
Australia Fruits prepares for promising season
Desirable growing conditions create positive signs for Australian cherry season.
by Liam O’Callaghan
Australian exporter
Australia Fruits is optimistic about the upcoming cherry season, with pre-season weather conditions promoting quality fruit.
The company’s Joe Tullio says Australia Fruits is once again the major exporter of Wandin Valley Farms cherries this season.
“Their first farm in the northwest of Victoria is set to have a bumper crop. With warm weather and cool nights, the colour and sugar has come nice and early this year. Harvest is set to commence on 16 October,” says Tullio.
“It’s always a great time of year when we start sending our first
cherries to many long-term and some new customers.”
Tullio says the majority of first picks are destined for domestic market with some small shipments planned for the China market.
As the season ramps up more volume will make its way to export markets including the likes of China, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Cambodia.
“More volume is expected around the end of October to early
November when the harvest at Wandin Valley’s second farm in the northeast Victoria commences,” says Tullio.
“The weather has been kind this season, so far. The trees are full of beautiful big cherries this year. Our harvest and packing supply will run for 14 weeks in total from late October to late January.
“Australia Fruits is proud to have been associated with Wandin Valley Farms for the last 15 years; it’s a fantastic relationship.”
LEFT & ABOVE—The outlook is positive for the Australian mainland cherry crop
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Ardgour Valley Orchards unveils Temptation Valley brand
Premium offering to hit market this season as volumes ramp up.
by Liam O’Callaghan
Central Otago producer, Ardgour Valley Orchards, will launch its premium export brand, Temptation Valley, when it harvests the first commercial quantities of cherries during the 2024/25 Southern Hemisphere cherry season.
Temptation Valley draws inspiration from the attributes of four sought-after and well-known cherry varieties to focus on taste, size and appearance.
Varieties available this season include three red cultivars, Lapin, Kordia and newest addition to the range, Sweet Georgia, to complement the distinctive white-
fleshed, red-blushed Stardust variety.
Ardgour Valley Orchards’ international sales and marketing manager, Sharon Kirk, says Lapins – a rich red and large cherry – and Kordia – a reddish-black, large, heart-shaped cherry – are known for their flavour. Meanwhile, dark-red Sweet Georgia cherries derive some appearance and taste attributes from Lapins cherries.
All of them are glossy, plump and sweet and consistently achieve a Brix of 18o and over, she notes.
Kirk says Ardgour Valley Orchards’ offering was showcased to international buyers at Asia Fruit Logistica, generating huge interest and sales orders.
All fruit produced by Ardgour Valley Orchards is packed in Central Otago before being airfreighted to customers in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the US. The growing region has long been considered New Zealand’s best for cherries due to its mineral-rich soils, climate and glacial waters.
Kirk says more than 13ha of Temptation Valley cherries, first planted in 2020 and set to reach full production in 2026, will be available this season.
The cherries are available from early January to late January in packs of 1kg, 2kg and 5kg.
INTRODUCING ABSOLUTELY, IRRESISTIBLE SWEET CHERRIES FROM TEMPTATION VALLEY
Be tempted by four special varieties including the distinctive, white fleshed Stardust and newest addition, Sweet Georgia cherries. Exporting early January to late January. ORDERS: +64 219 21246 • marketing@hortinvest.nz • www.hortinvest.nz
Beyond cherries become a seasonal indulgence
New Zealand cherry brand captures the attention of customers around the globe.
by Liam O’Callaghan
ABOVE— Sharon Kirk of Southern Fruits International
Southern Fruits International’s Beyond-branded cherries continue to impress international retailers seeking high-end cherries three years after bursting onto global retail shelves.
International sales and marketing manager, Sharon Kirk says Beyond cherries, which are produced at two large-scale orchards spanning more than 160ha in Central Otago, resonate with global buyers who are prepared to pay a premium for exceptional quality fruit.
“The Beyond brand has now resonated with buyers and is well-recognised and sought-after. Our markets include Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the US and Canada and continues to expand year on year,” she says.
The brand is supplied with eight varieties renowned for their individual high colour, size and flavour attributes including Sonnet, Sandra Rose, Santina, Stardust, Lapins, Sweetheart, Kordia and Staccato.
The fruit is packed in high-grade packaging inspired by the colours and iconography of Central Otago. Beyond cherries are available for export in 1kg, 2kg and 5kg packs from December to February with early varieties expected to arrive in Asia in time for Christmas. The harvest will continue as cherries progressively ripen until late January or early February, depending on conditions.
First planted in 2019, the trees will reach full production in 2027 when the volume will increase up to 400 tonnes per season.
NZ Cherry Corp looks to double length of season
General manager, Reece van der Velden, details New Zealand Cherry Corp’s plans to expand its production and varietal offering while maintaining a focus on high quality.
by Bree Caggiati
How is pre-season looking? What are your expectations on quality and volume for the season ahead?
Reece van der Velden: Early season is looking very promising. We have just completed pollination and, with high chill units, we have had great fruit set after approximately 80 per cent pollination. This will result in 30 per cent higher yields year-on-year per tree especially on our more difficult to crop varieties such as Kordia and Staccato, which in turn are also in extremely high demand – so everything this season is aligning well.
How do you see your production developing this year and in the coming years?
RV: We have a 127 per cent rise in new plantings this season. We also have a 5ha trial block for new varieties to test their size profile, flavour, and firmness. In total, we expect by 2027 to have four new varieties and by 2030 to have completed trials of 30-plus different new varieties. Two new orchards for an additional 39ha will be in production for the first time this season, with our goal to eventually satisfy the demand for highquality 30mm-plus size cherries for the international markets. With the new varieties, we expect our season to begin at the end of November and finish at the end of February in the near future, which will increase our typical six-week harvest to 12 weeks.
Which markets will you be supplying this season and will you be targeting any in particular? How is demand looking?
RV: Demand is increasing in markets that surround China. We supply 13 international markets, mostly in South-East Asia but also the US, UAE and, for the first time, Europe this coming season.
Quality is a high priority for New Zealand Cherry Corp. Can you share some of the measures in place that ensure this quality throughout the entire process?
RV: We have just upgraded our Tomra optical sorter to LUCAi, a machine learning sorting technology that will enable us to be very specific and accurate with our grade standards for export. Customer specific expectations can be met very easily, and throughput will increase by 20 per cent with the accuracy of defect sorting going above 95 per cent.
Will you be supporting this season with any marketing campaigns or particular packaging for your brands?
RV: Our brands are always evolving to meet customer needs. We have a programme into the US that is gaining popularity due to offering airfreight cherries with a unique seal while being display-ready, meaning there is no need to repack or double-handle the fruit. We also have new 2kg boxes under development that will be sampled with customers this season. Cherry Delight and Red Envy will once again be very popular for all the markets we supply. Customers are looking forward to seeing the first boxes arrive in December.
ABOVE—NZ Cherry Corp’s Red Envy brand is a popular across international markets
You are involved in the New Zealand Cherry Rescue Project. Can you provide an overview of the project and how it has been progressing?
RV: We now rescue 100 per cent of our waste cherries and are looking to other growers for their volume. Cherries that have cosmetic defects get turned into beverages, food products and – my favourite – dried cherries which are the perfect “lasting” snack on the go. This project keeps cherries from New Zealand in-market year-round. We expect to help the New Zealand cherry industry become wastefree by 2030 which will involve rescuing 4,000 tonnes of cherries each season.
Have there been any other company developments you’d like to share?
RV: We are in the process of hiring a new sales manager who will begin in December 2024. We look forward to introducing them as it will be very big news for us and the industry. We look forward to transitioning their role from another industry into the amazing business of cherries.
Quality focus for New Zealand cherries
New Summerfruit NZ chief executive Dean Smith says industry is committed to maintaining its reputation for quality fruit.
by Liam O’Callaghan
On the eve of the 2024/25 New Zealand cherry season, Summerfruit New Zealand’s (Summerfruit NZ) new chief executive, Dean Smith, says signs are positive for the upcoming crop.
“The season is currently showing exceptional promise. Growers I've spoken with describe
crops that are beautifully clean and well spread. We still have a few weeks to go till harvest, but everything points to a year of great quality,” says Smith.
Smith took the reins at the head of the peak industry at the start of October 2024. He follows in the footsteps of Kate Hellstrom after three years in the role.
Smith says he is looking forward to working with industry to help growers prosper.
“I take great pride in representing the New Zealand summerfruit industry and the exceptional individuals who are part of it,” says Smith.
“I am enthusiastic about the prospects that lie ahead for our industry and will derive great satisfaction from facilitating its growth and success.”
Smith says there is plenty of opportunity on offer in export markets for high-quality New Zealand cherries.
“New Zealand is a small player in global terms, with an enviable reputation for quality, market access and its exceptional speed from orchard to customer. Our fruit is grown in pristine conditions, which results in cherries with a beautiful balance and concentrated flavour. We have an amazing story to tell,” he notes.
“The opportunity for New Zealand cherry exporters is to maintain their dedication to quality and to collaborate with in-market partners to ensure that the value proposition is reinforced at every opportunity.”
South African cherries leverage apple and pear relationships in Asia
Increased production, new varieties and impending access to export markets are set to provide impetus for growth in South Africa’s burgeoning cherry industry.
by Fred Meintjes
South Africa is relatively young in the cherry export industry, but recent developments are set to stimulate significant growth in the future.
Asian markets are becoming increasingly attractive destinations, and exporters say demand for South African fruit is already high.
“South Africa has an earlier season than Chile, and longstanding relationships with the trade which we established through marketing our apples and pears give us a great entry point,” says Cala du Toit, procurement manager at Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing.
Exports of South African cherries more than doubled between 2021 and 2023.
“This year we are on track to increase our production by between 15 and 25 per cent if present good conditions continue,”
du Toit says. “It is 61 days from blossom to harvest and the next two months will be crucial for us.”
Last year the industry produced around 2,000 tonnes, of which 45 per cent was exported, mostly to the UK.
“We also increased sales to the Middle East and Asia,” du Toit adds. “This is where we see great opportunities in future.”
Du Toit says Malaysia and Hong Kong are already established markets, and now there is also interest from Vietnam.
“Most of these exports go to our regular receivers of apples and pears and it is a natural extension of our business.”
According to du Toit, South Africa may well be at the start of another increased wave of production.
“[Over] the last two years growers have tested a number of
BELOW LEFT—
South African cherry exports more than doubled between 2021 and 2023
BELOW RIGHT—
The timing of the South African season is earlier than Chile’s
new red cherry varieties and as they gain confidence, we may well see rapid expansion,” he says.
The South African season falls mainly in December and January, a time when the country’s fruit industry is relatively quiet and cold stores empty.
“There are also more shipping opportunities
because the peaks of the stonefruit and table grape seasons are a bit later,” says du Toit.
The industry is also awaiting the outcome of the South African stonefruit application for access to China. The cherry industry forms part of this application, which if granted, will spark new impetus in the industry.
South Africa produces mostly red cherries and the majority of exports to Asia will be shipped in containers.
“We are confident that with a good production season expected, this will be an important year for accessing these markets,” du Toit concludes.
Promising signs in Asia for South Africa
Leading distributor JWM Asia says cherries could become one of the company’s fastest-growing categories from South Africa.
by John Hey
South Africa’s cherry industry is on the rise, and markets in Asia present exciting growth opportunities, according to pan-Asia distributor, JWM Asia.
South African production could reach around 12,000 tonnes over the next three years, with investments in new plantings and packhouse infrastructure putting the industry on course to meet the highest standards in cherry packing, according to JWM Asia’s general manager of trade, Danny Guo.
This season, cherry yield and timing have been negatively impacted by frost and cold weather, but the future looks bright, he says.
“Despite this setback [this season], we anticipate exponential growth in both quality and yield over the next two years,” says Guo.
JWM Asia is working with leading players in the South African cherry industry to develop the product for markets in Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
“There are good opportunities for South African cherries in Asia,” he says. “The timing of their early production areas is favourable.
“Industry investments in packing facilities are enhancing packing specifications and ensuring consistent product quality.”
As production volumes increase, the South African industry must focus on securing access to additional markets such as China and Vietnam, Guo adds.
He also suggests the industry conducts further studies on competing origins such as Chile. “This could help to optimise the
Argentina could extend presence
Argentina has already secured a strong position in key Asian markets with its cherries, supplying mainly airfreighted fruit to fit around the large volumes of sea shipments from Chile. JWM Asia sees room for the Argentinian industry to grow sales in the region, and leverage timing advantages presented by its late production areas.
Argentina is currently the second-largest cherry exporter in the Southern Hemisphere, with total annual shipments exceeding 7,000 tonnes, according to JWM Asia’s general manager of trade, Danny Guo. While this puts Argentina a long way behind Chile in terms of export volume, the Latin American nation ranks ahead of New Zealand and Australia.
JWM Asia’s main markets for Argentine cherries are China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, according to Guo. “We have carefully identified our partners to grow within these regions,” he says. “The quality is generally good, and the price is competitive, which has helped Argentina to secure a strong market position.”
Air shipments present the key opportunity for Argentina, says Guo. “They benefit from more favourable airfreight rates than Chile, which enables them to supply a competitive product,” he notes. “Once Chile’s ocean volumes arrive, it becomes more challenging to compete. However, Argentina’s late production areas may present further opportunities.”
preparation of product for ocean shipments to China,” says Guo.
Looking ahead, JWM Asia is enthused about the prospects for South African cherries. “Our South African and Asia offices believe cherries have the potential to become one of our fastest-growing categories from South Africa,” he says.
LEFT—South African production could reach 12,000 tonnes in three years’ time
Turkish exporters enjoy strong campaign
Cherry suppliers in Turkey have seen their fortunes improve in the last couple of seasons, despite a drop in profitability in Asia, which has refocused attention on the European market.
by Tom Joyce
Things have been looking up for Turkish cherry exporters, who enjoyed one of the best seasons for years in 2024, following an improved performance the year before.
In 2023, Turkish cherry exports totalled 215,000 tonnes, worth $83m, a 60 per cent rise on the year before. In the first seven months of 2024, revenue from cherry exports surged by 209 per cent to $4m, according to Railly News, the main markets being Germany, Russia and Poland, which each grew in value terms, by 25 per cent, 41 per cent and 112 per cent respectively.
“We had a good cherry season,
probably the best season in the last five years,” Yigit Gökyigit, sales coordinator at grower-exporter Alanar, told Fresh Focus Cherry. “We had good volumes and quality.”
Alanar’s main market remains Europe, with the company also sending cherries by air to Asia. Although this form of transportation has meant the logistical issues in the Red Sea have been bypassed, the high cost of airfreight and a downturn in Asia have redoubled the focus on Europe, according to Gökyigit.
“There’s been a recession in many Asian markets, so consumption is down,” he said.
“Four or five years ago, these markets were really profitable compared with Europe, but now they are about the same, so it doesn't make as much sense to transport all that way. We still work with some customers there, but it is less profitable. Before we were aiming to send 5-10 pallets, but we push a lot less now. In Europe, it’s around the same price and we are able to send a bigger volume.”
Nevertheless, national efforts to expand Turkish cherry exports to East Asian markets continue, including to current markets Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and India.
BELOW—Alanar reported good volumes and quality for the 2024 season
Soren Bjorn Driscoll’s
Monica Bratuti Turners International
Filip Fontaine VLAM
Alk Brand Westfalia
Tarun Arora IG Group
Christelle Bertin Blue Whale
Steve Magami Agrovision
Stephan Weist Rewe
Fabio Zanesco VIP
Dan Mathieson Zespri
Jose Antonio Gomez Camposol
Helge Sparsoe Fyffes
Raffaele Benedetti Unitec
Hannes Tauber VOG
Marion Regan Hugh Lowe Farms
Mohammed Abbas Del Monte
Franka Rodriguez ALDI South Group
Michael Fellner ALDI South Group
Changing landscape for cherries
Southern Hemisphere growers hope for positive season in 2024 similar to that of their northern counterparts.
MATT HANCOCK
Norton Folgate matthancock@nortonfolgate.com
As the 2024 Northern Hemisphere cherry season is now well behind us, we look forward to the next cherry crops in the calendar as the year draws to a close. I have to say that 2024 so far has been a much more positive cherry selling year for most businesses in the UK than 2023. The weather events of last year in Europe and a disappointing UK crop all conspired to a
disappointing 2023 season overall.
The 2024 season has been much more positive, with more normal crops throughout last summer’s season and a much better UK crop with strong demand for good quality cherries in the UK and Europe.
SOUTHERN START
The Southern Hemisphere season is already underway. Norton received its first shipments from
BELOW—New varieties are paving the way for 52-week supply
OPPOSITE—The 2024 Northern Hemisphere crop saw a return to form
South Africa in the first week of October from the northern Limpopo region. The fruit has been eating well and volumes have picked up in the last week or so.
This will be followed up with the Western Cape coming on stream in early November together with fruit from Chile and Argentina. We expect to see full supply of airfreight volumes for UK by 10-15 November, before seafreight arrivals hit our shores around the New Year.
Overall crop forecasts are positive. There has been some frost damage in the early areas of the Western Cape that we reduce supply in the middle of November, but this will be filled by volume from Argentina.
The Argentineans are expecting a full crop with the Mendoza region starting earlier than in 2023. We are still in the “danger” window for rain and even frosts in the southern districts but, at the moment, all is looking normal after a good cold winter and plenty of snow in the mountains to maintain water supplies.
CHILEAN JUMP
The Chilean cherry crop, as has been widely reported, is looking like another record crop with the latest Frutas de Chile industry forecast predicting 131mn cartons (5kg equivalent). This is a 57 per cent increase on the last crop. Sentiment in China is very positive that they will sell this increase.
However, there is no doubt that the industry needs to develop alternative markets, and all eyes are on the US, other Asian markets, and the potential of India. With 92 per cent of the fruit going to China, this remains a risk that the industry needs to address in the medium term.
The key variables going into this year are the impact of fruit fly and the Chilean industry’s ability to move the volume of cold treatment containers to China. The plans have been made; the containers are available but there are concerns around bottlenecks in packhouses as fruit needs to be pre-cooled for longer to ensure compliance.
If it goes wrong, there will be more fruit for other markets that will need selling. However, the
Chilean industry is very adept at resolving these issues with their collaborative working culture. There is no doubt this will be the most challenging season for Chilean exporters to continue the success they have enjoyed over the last decade. They have the fruit; they have the water, they have the demand, and they have well invested packing operations. It will now be down to the logistics and operations teams to make it all work.
VARIETAL CHANGE
In terms of varieties, there has been some exciting work going on behind the scenes that is also starting to see some positive impact on the industry. The Stoppel varieties are now being widely planted in different districts and are proving to be successful in both hemispheres. We have seen
some success with the Bloom Fresh material with their lower chill options for early fruit. These are certainly suitable for air and road freight business. Their suitability for seafreight needs to be demonstrated. There are a plethora of other varieties being trialled at the moment, with a positive sentiment that the industry will have access to better material going forward. We are edging closer to the 52-week ambition. More importantly we have better eating varieties available to us now than ten years ago.
EXPLORING NEW PRODUCTION OPTIONS
In terms of new geographical regions, there continues to be trial work undertaken in the quest to find earlier and later growing regions. In Argentina, there have
been successful trials in the Jujuy region, with fruit being picked in late September.
There have also been trials in the Esquel region for the late season extension. Peru also remains the focus of several trials to see if there is a micro-climate suitable for commercial production of cherries to fill the September and October window of opportunity.
In Chile, the Ovalle region will see a good crop of early fruit this year. In the south of Chile, Osorno has firmly positioned itself as a volume region for late cherries but there is work to be done to perfect the production of cherries under rain covers to develop consistent eating quality across all varieties.
Research finds 91 per cent of Brits prefer homegrown cherries
Independent research on behalf of Driscoll’s also reveals that seven of the ten bestperforming cherry varieties were British.
by Kristian Bayford
Research conducted by Driscoll’s has revealed that 91 per cent of UK consumers prefer to buy cherries grown in Britain instead of imported alternatives.
According to the global berry supplier, a milder and wetter winter has brought the season earlier than usual. Cherries entered major supermarkets across the UK in June, two weeks ahead of the usual seasonal window for British grown cherries.
Independent research conducted on behalf of Driscoll’s found that seven of the ten bestperforming cherry varieties were British, citing the fact that they are some of the highest in terms of
flavour and size.
Furthermore, 89 per cent of British cherry shoppers prioritise taste and freshness when sourcing their produce.
The global market leader for fresh berries and cherries also found that supporting British farmers was important to 76 per cent of British cherry shoppers.
Driscoll’s British cherries come from Berry Gardens Growers, with orchards spread across the UK including Herefordshire, Kent, Kincardineshire, Norfolk, Perthshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire.
cherry growth this year means we can offer consumers flavourful British cherries earlier than usual.
“We’re thrilled to be delivering fresh British cherries as part of our berry portfolio for a second year.
“Our commitment to quality and freshness is reflected in every batch, and we are excited for customers and consumers alike to enjoy them all for all occasions this season”.
Berry Gardens cherry grower Sarah Neaves adds: “This year’s British cherry season is here, and our team are starting to pick large, dark-red, juicy berries.
“British cherries are truly exceptional, and we are immensely proud to supply them to Driscoll’s this summer for all customers to enjoy”.
Driscoll’s cherry product manager, Jon Hillary says: “The favourable weather conditions for ABOVE—British consumers prefer to buy domestically-grown cherries particularly local varieties
