Beyond volume: How Chilean cherries plan to boost quality and sustain demand amid price pressure
Written and reported by Macarena Bravo | Lee esta noticia en Español
After two consecutive tough seasons, the Chilean cherry industry is still seeking answers. On April 21, representatives of the entire supply chain gathered in Santiago at the Global Cherry Summit 2026, where they shared their takes on what’s next for the sector.
In that context, Claudio Vial, General Manager of Ranco Cherries, analyzed the main challenges facing Chilean cherries, including price pressure, logistical issues, and the need to improve quality to sustain international demand.
During his presentation, he noted that there is still no up-to-date registry of planted cherry acreage in the country, though current estimates exceed 202,000 acres. The expert believes planting reached its peak during the 2021/22 season, giving way to more moderate growth.
“Between 3,000 and 3,700 acres are leaving the system each year, which represents a progressive but not massive adjustment,” he explained.
He added that nearly 25,000 acres are more than 15 years old, and correspond mainly to varieties such as Lapins, Sweetheart, and Royal Dawn, whose profitability has decreased.
Chinese market and cherry supply
China has historically absorbed, on average, over 90 percent of the Chilean cherry production, and though market diversification is one of the industry’s biggest challenges to date, Vial emphasized that the Asian giant will remain the key market.
Growing Chilean cherry supply will most likely continue to pressure prices, and the expert projected values of 44-49 yuan per kilo, depending on quality.
“A bad consumption experience directly affects repeat purchases, so rotation and quality are essential,” he stated.
But not all variables are within Chile’s control, as the executive said there are macroeconomic factors in China, such as the dramatic slowdown in the real estate sector, that could directly affect consumers’ purchasing power and, by extension, consumption.
Chilean cherries beyond China
After almost two decades of sticking to smaller shipments, the United States showed a recovery in 2025/26 and once again surpassed 20,000 imported tons. This consolidated the country’s position as the second-largest destination for Chilean cherries after the Asian giant.
Europe grew by 12 percent, with stable performance in England and the Netherlands. Spain emerged as a more important destination, driven by retail programs that have positioned the fruit on shelves and boosted its rotation.
In Asia, Vial underscored growth in Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Taiwan was a pleasant surprise for the Chilean cherry industry, as the small island nation doubled its imports. South Korea remained stable due to a shorter season.
Meanwhile, destinations like India, Thailand, and Vietnam show growth potential but continue to face structural limitations.
In Latin America, growth during the latest campaign was close to 50 percent, favored by shorter transit times. However, Vial warned that these markets cannot yet absorb large volumes, forcing Chile to look beyond its neighborhood.
Looking ahead, the expert stressed that balancing the business will depend on controlling growth, improving quality, developing logistics, and expanding demand.
“The industry must align itself around quality and rotation. It's not enough to produce more—we must meet consumer expectations,” he concluded.
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