Beyond China: Chilean cherries arrive in the US and Europe amid market expansion

While Chilean cherries continue to delight in China, an early production surge is giving importers in the United States and Europe a head start on the winter import season. 

Traditionally gifted as luxury items by Chinese consumers, the Chilean cherry is considered a premium fruit in Asia, and producers are hoping to charm shoppers worldwide as the Andean country looks to diversify one of its star products.

In the US, Minnesota firm Honeybear Brands is already moving fruit into retail, while Spain’s CMR Group is preparing to unload Europe’s first sea container of off-season Chilean cherries on December 9. Both companies report strong crop conditions in Chile and expect steady volumes through the holidays. 

Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing, Honeybear Brands, told FreshFruitPortal.com the company is estimating shipments at approximately 125 to 150 loads, reporting “slightly better sizing compared to last year, with good flavor and consistency.” 

Stateside sweet spot

Honeybear Brands continues to position itself as a key supplier for cherry winter demand, highlighting the fruit’s versatility and convenience as a “fresh snack for summer and holiday occasions.”

“We only bring in Chilean fruit; we feel like it is a superior product to other growing regions in South America,” Sinks adds. As for consumer trends, the company notes that younger families are under-represented, with wealthier shoppers leading purchases.

“Buyers are often over 55 years old, live in two-person households, and a large share of purchases come from households with incomes of around $100K or more,” says the executive.

The company brings Chilean cherries into Washington state and Philadelphia, and says the dual-port model allows it to co-load imported cherries with its domestic apple programs. This, Sinks explains, helps provide lower costs for retail buyers.

“Honeybear is a leading importer of cherries into the US and has been for more than eight years. We’ve had a near-perfect growing season in Chile, which will yield a record cherry crop. This means retailers will be able to offer high-quality, fresh cherries throughout the winter months,” says Sinks.  “A strong import program means shoppers will continue to shop for cherries during the domestic cherry season.”

Europe gets a taste

Across the Atlantic, CMR Group says it will market the first sea container of off-season cherries, which is scheduled to arrive in Rotterdam next week. The company recently visited its Chilean partner C&L in the country’s central valley regions to select fruit harvested during week 45.

CMR says it will begin offering the fruit to European customers in week 50 through its exclusive sales network.

The company also highlights that C&L, a family-owned company for more than fifty years, uses sustainable clean-energy systems, advanced irrigation, water-sanitizing processes, as well as comprehensive waste-management practices. 

The grower holds certifications including Walmart Global Security Operations, SMETA, and BRCGS, which the group says support full traceability and consistent quality.

The importer expects to expand its cherry program in the coming weeks with additional origins and other stone fruit items.

Expanding Asian scope

While China remains the top destination market for Chilean cherries, accounting for approximately 90 percent of overall export volume, the sector continues to stretch its wings towards Asia.

Earlier this year, Chilean company Subsole marked its first shipment to India. Trading partner IG International Pvt Ltd then said this marked a significant milestone for the Indian fresh produce industry. He noted that Chilean cherries quickly established themselves as a key category in the market.

South Korea has become another interesting destination for the Chilean stone fruit star, following the 2016 market access. With an approximate per capita consumption of 121 lbs and a population exceeding 51 million, Chilean cherry producers benefit from the off-season.

*All photos courtesy of Honeybear Brands & CMR Group.

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