These are the keys to guaranteeing a successful cherry season in 2026, Chilean industry hears
Almost 500 people took part in a discussion on the future of the Chilean cherry business at the first Online Wednesday organised by Fedefruta last week.
With their minds already focused on the next Chinese New Year, growers, exporters, and other industry professionals analysed this season’s results to see what could be learned to improve the chances of success in the coming season.
The discussion was moderated by Rodrigo Manasevic, executive director of Utilitas, and included participation by Tomás Cartagena, head of exports at Utilitas, and Felipe Rieutord, director of Fedefruta.
During the presentation, participants agreed that the quality of the cherries and their condition on arrival are key to a successful outcome, particularly in light of the unforeseen circumstances that have plagued the season just ended.
Rieutord noted that “we have always been producers. I bought a machine to pack cherries because I believe in cherries, and we can differentiate ourselves in quality. We can have better quality. We will have an oversupply, and what we must do is differentiate ourselves. The Chinese love good-quality fruit”.
Manasevic added that “if there is quality, the fruit moves. Even if it’s a small amount, if it’s poor quality, it doesn’t move, and if it’s a large volume of good quality, it sells.”
For his part, Cartagena pointed out that for the coming season “we have to review the quality aspect. Not only do we have to produce good fruit, but also ensure that it arrives in good quality at its destination”.
He said companies must do everything they can to ensure that product is shipped correctly and reaches its destination safely. “It’s better to earn a little than to end up in debt. Furthermore, it’s better to work with reliable people who do their jobs well,” he concluded.
