Chilean cherries set for record 2025-26 season, targeting new markets beyond China

Written and reported by Macarena Bravo | Leer en Español

Local horticultural industry association Frutas de Chile and its Cherry Committee project that the Latin American country will export 131 million boxes during the 2025-26 season. The data is based on a survey conducted between October 10 and 17 among member companies.

The forecast is similar to the estimate published in April and slightly higher than last season’s records.

Marketing Chilean cherries in China

Although things may change slightly as the season progresses, the organization says this will be the only official estimate provided by the Committee.

“This figure is an early snapshot of the season,” said Claudia Soler, executive director of the Chilean Cherry Committee. “There could be limited adjustments as we advance in harvest and logistics, but our expectation is very similar to last year.” 

The guild representative said the industry is focused on doing “things the right way,” emphasizing quality, compliance, and support for commercialization.

Chilean cherries—a market on the rebound

In the southern hemisphere, Chile accounts for 96 percent of cherry exports, reinforcing its global leadership in this market. From that production, nine out of 10 shipments are bound for China. 

To further solidify the Andean country’s market share, the Frutas de Chile Cherry Committee is running a marketing campaign in the Asian giant. The goal is to strengthen the product's image, consolidate consumer preference, and support importers, distributors, and retailers.

Simultaneously, the industry is working to diversify markets, aiming to boost sales in the US, South Korea, Thailand, and Brazil, among other destinations. 

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