Chilean cherries celebrate new entry route into China

A ceremony was held on Wednesday at China’s port of Tianjin to welcome the first Cherry Express carrying more than 2,500 tonnes of Chilean cherries. The arrival of the vessel marked the first trip of this new direct route for Cherry Express vessels to the northern Chinese port.

Previously, cherries destined for northern China were mainly transported by road from southern ports or by air, generating high logistics costs. After the launch of this new route, the average time in logistics and distribution of each container of cherries has been reduced by 30 hours, which translates into a 30 per cent reduction in overall logistics costs, Fruits from Chile said.

The port of Tianjin expects the arrival of two more shipments in January with more than 5,800 tonnes of Chilean cherries and other seasonal products.

“We are very happy about this first arrival of our cherries through this port, since the port of Tainjin will enhance the diversification within China of our exports of fresh cherries, which is very in line with the strategy that we have defined as a Committee,” said Claudia Soler of the Chilean Cherry Committee.

“This port is very close to the Gaobeidian Wholesale Market, which is currently one of the largest wholesale markets for premium fruit in northern China, a market that has enormous potential for our cherries and is very interested in developing the category.”