China leads the demand for Chilean cherries, India's kiwi and apple consumption grows

The Chilean fruit sector finished the 2024-2025 season with a record of 3 million tons exported. However, forecasts for the upcoming cherry season, the country's flagship product, are uncertain due to unpredictable weather and the need to improve logistical efficiency amid a trend toward diversifying destination markets.

Iván Marambio, president of Frutas de Chile, emphasized that the Asian market is crucial for cherries. "This is the most important market we have, with enormous growth potential, especially in regional China and India." China remains the main buyer, while India is gaining traction thanks to increasing kiwi and apple consumption. South Korea is also becoming a strategic destination. The Asian fair has proven to be a vital meeting point for strengthening business relationships and exploring new opportunities. "All the destinations, all the markets attend this fair," Marambio said.

While early projections suggest a modest 6% rise in cherry volumes compared to last year, Marambio warns that it is still too soon to confirm exact figures. "We are reaching the end of winter, and the weather has behaved differently, with frosts and rains that could impact production," he said, noting that the industry is taking a cautious approach regarding weather developments.

A major operational challenge is in the last mile of distribution, especially as e-commerce now accounts for 30% of cherry sales in China. "Our logistics are first class from the field to the ports, but we must ensure the fruit reaches the end consumer with the same freshness, sweetness, and flavor that characterize us," Marambio stated. In markets like China, natural sweetness is a key factor: "Sugar does not exist for them, it is the sweetness of the fruit."

Meanwhile, Chile faces tariff barriers in the United States, where Chilean grapes are subjected to a 10% tax. Marambio highlighted that Chilean fruit arrives in the Northern Hemisphere during the off-season, so "it does not compete directly with U.S. production." This situation supports the ongoing strategy to expand into new markets. "Chile lives from diversification; we work all 12 months of the year to broaden markets, but this is a medium- and long-term task. Currently, exports are evenly distributed: 30% to North America, 30% to Asia, 20% to Europe, and 20% to Latin America," he explained.

For more information:
Iván Marambio
Frutas de Chile
Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Tel.: +56 9 9991 5564 / +56 2 2472 4701
Email: [email protected]
www.frutasdechile.cl