Country on course for largest cherry crop ever, as variety renewal continues and demand from China increases
Chile could produce a record crop of cherries and export even more to China this season, according to a new report.
The figures, published by the USDA, suggest that exports will rebound in 2026/27 to around 667,000 tonnes, while overall production is expected to reach an unprecedented 727,000 tonnes.
The growth is attributed mainly to the addition of new, more productive orchards, which have led to a rise in planted area – with the emphasis apparently on greater yields rather than a simple increase in the number of trees.
“Sources indicate that while expansion continues, new plantings have drastically slowed as the industry shifts its focus toward productivity and variety renewal and away from adding new hectares,” the report noted.
To reduce weather-related losses during flowering and harvesting, several growers have added plastic covers to their orchards, it added.
“These protective systems have become standard in many commercial orchards, particularly in central Chile, where rainfall can significantly reduce fruit quality and exportability.”
The report also estimated that fresh peach and nectarine production will reach 209,063 tonnes this season, an increase of 6 per cent on the previous marketing year.
Exports are projected at 147,000 tonnes, up 8.6 per cent on the year-earlier period.
“This growth in production reflects the continued expansion of the nectarine sector, outpacing industry movement away from peach production,” it stated.
