New route opens for Cherry Express

To mark the first ever arrival of the first ever Cherry Express service at the port of Dalian in China, Asoex has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the operator of the port of Dalian, Liaoning Port Group and Maersk, to improve access to northeast China for Chilean cherries and other fresh fruits.

“This is a first step towards formalising the already existing relationships that exporters in the Chilean fruit sector have with the Port of Dalian, which is an emerging and important port logistics centre in northeast China,” said Asoex president Iván Marambio.

“We will strive to exchange information and good practices aimed at facilitating our fresh fruit exports to this region.”

Marambio said the arrival of the first Cherry Express at the port of Dalian and the signing of this MoU reflect the efforts of the Chilean industry to diversify the destination ports for Chilean cherries and fresh fruits in China.

This is part of Chile’s strategic objective to diversify its destination ports throughout China and thus strengthen its presence in second and third level cities.

Together with Claudia Soler, manager of the Chilean Cherry Committee, Marambio led the celebrations for the arrival of the first Cherry Express of the Yidu Group in northern China.

“Despite the many challenges we have faced, China is and will continue to be our main export partner in the Asian region and, for many species, in the world,” Marambio continued.

“Our industry is committed to supplying the Chinese market with the best that our country can offer in terms of quality and with a wide availability of fresh fruits that meet the demanding requirements of the Chinese consumer.”

Marambio also highlighted the efforts of the Chilean trade and its logistics partners to improve the supply chain over the past year.

He welcomed the close collaboration between port authorities, customs agents, municipal officials and ship crews to carry out a customs clearance process for Chilean cherries, which arrive at the port of Dalian in less than an hour.

“All these efforts allow us to preserve the quality of the fruit, reduce costs, logistical delays, and arrive with the fruit with the quality, condition, and freshness that consumers expect,” he said.

The latest estimates show Chilean cherry exports will top 80m cartons this season, equivalent to around 400,000 tonnes.

Although lower than the forecast of 89m cartons made in October, this would be a new record for Chilean cherry exports.