Strong Demand for Large Argentine Cherries in China

The 2023/24 season was Argentina’s best cherry season for five years. Industry estimates indicate that similar results can be expected this season, although the cherries are anticipated to be slightly smaller in size. By mid-November, harvests in northern Argentina had reached average levels, while harvesting in the Uco Valley of southern Mendoza province was just getting underway.

The first varieties exported this season were Royal Lynn and Nimba, followed by Royal Dawn and Frisco. By mid-November, the harvesting of Santina cherries had also begun in southern Mendoza.

Santina remains the most common cherry variety on the Chinese market, and it is primarily sourced from Chile. However, Argentine cherries have also established a significant presence in China. Priced similarly to their Chilean counterparts, Argentine cherries have garnered positive market feedback for their exceptional quality, with particularly strong demand observed for large fruit.

Diego Aguilar, president of the Chamber of Cherries of Mendoza, noted that this season experienced no significant weather events apart from light hail in some areas. However, the abundant fruit set has resulted in smaller-than-expected cherries. Harvests across various production regions began 1–3 days earlier than last year, with the cherries displaying excellent quality.

Meanwhile, cherry harvesting in the Patagonia region was initially delayed. According to Aníbal Caminiti, director of the Integrated Producers Argentinean Cherries Association, this delay was attributable to a cold spell following several days of high temperatures during the ripening period. However, by mid-November, packing operations had resumed as normal, with transportation remaining unaffected.

Last winter, Argentina experienced an extended cold period, providing cherry trees with ample chill hours. This was followed by an unusually warm spring and a hot summer. Currently, weather conditions in the main producing regions are highly favorable. Apart from some early light rainfall, harvesting has progressed smoothly. Mendoza is now approaching its peak production period, with the Lapins variety entering its harvest phase. These cherries are expected to arrive in China between Jan. 15 and 20, targeting the lucrative Chinese New Year sales period.

Approximately 77% of Argentine cherries are exported by air, with sea freight accounting for a much smaller share. The United States is the largest overseas market, followed by China. During the early stages of the Southern Hemisphere cherry season, Argentine exporters typically prioritize air shipments to China. However, as large quantities of Chilean cherries start to arrive by sea and drive down prices on the Chinese market, Argentine exporters often redirect their focus to other markets.

In recent years, the Argentine cherry industry has been replacing plum trees with more profitable cherry trees and focusing on cultivating early-season varieties. Reports indicate that cherry varieties requiring fewer chill hours are now available locally. However, these new varieties have not gained widespread acceptance on traditional markets, which still favor established varieties such as Santina, Lapins, Regina and Bing. Nonetheless, producers remain committed to improving existing varieties and developing early-maturing ones.

Phytosanitary measures are also crucial to the industry. Northern Argentina produces the earliest cherries, but concerns over fruit flies mean that these cherries must undergo cold treatment before being exported to China. As a result, they only arrive late in the year, typically around week 50, missing the optimal pricing window on the Chinese market.

Image: Pixabay

This article was translated from Chinese. Read the original article.