Chile's Ovalle train brings in double the amount of almonds, to be air-exported to China next week!
Published 2025년 10월 14일
Tridge summary
Located in the Coquimbo region of northern Chile, Ovalle is the earliest area for cherry ripening and one of the first regions in the Southern Hemisphere to begin cherry exports.
Ovalle mainly grows early varieties such as Brooks and Nimba. Thanks to favorable winter climate conditions and the commissioning of new orchards, it is estimated that Ovalle's cherry production for the 2025/26 season will exceed 2,000 tons, with the first batch of shipments starting to be air-exported to the Chinese market in sync with the Patagonia cherries from Argentina, beginning in the 42nd week.
Agricultural consultant Jorge Astudillo is optimistic about this season's production, noting that cherry blossoms this year have started five days earlier than last year, very close to the normal situation in Ovalle. Early varieties will begin to be harvested from October 20-22, mainly Brooks, Royal Dawn, Nimba, and Santina.
A wave of cherry planting enthusiasm appeared in the area five years ago, and this year, large areas of new orchards have come into production. The area of orchards currently in the fruit-hanging period is between 200-300 hectares, accounting for 50-60% of the local orchard area. Some orchards have just started harvesting, while others are in the peak fruiting period. The total cherry production is estimated to be around 2,000 tons, with the exact number still dependent on the late-ripening varieties. Based on the current situation, the production is expected to at least double from last year's 1,000 tons.
Astudillo emphasized that last year's first batch of cherries air-exported to China came from greenhouses in central Chile, with relatively low fruit hardness. The cherries grown outdoors in Ovalle naturally ripen, are larger, have a vibrant color, firm flesh, and a crisp, refreshing taste. This season's opening market price is expected to be higher, which is a positive signal for the market.
Image source: masp2025 International Fruit and Vegetable Report. All rights reserved. For reprint permission, please contact the International Fruit and Vegetable Report and credit the source.
Ovalle mainly grows early varieties such as Brooks and Nimba. Thanks to favorable winter climate conditions and the commissioning of new orchards, it is estimated that Ovalle's cherry production for the 2025/26 season will exceed 2,000 tons, with the first batch of shipments starting to be air-exported to the Chinese market in sync with the Patagonia cherries from Argentina, beginning in the 42nd week.
Agricultural consultant Jorge Astudillo is optimistic about this season's production, noting that cherry blossoms this year have started five days earlier than last year, very close to the normal situation in Ovalle. Early varieties will begin to be harvested from October 20-22, mainly Brooks, Royal Dawn, Nimba, and Santina.
A wave of cherry planting enthusiasm appeared in the area five years ago, and this year, large areas of new orchards have come into production. The area of orchards currently in the fruit-hanging period is between 200-300 hectares, accounting for 50-60% of the local orchard area. Some orchards have just started harvesting, while others are in the peak fruiting period. The total cherry production is estimated to be around 2,000 tons, with the exact number still dependent on the late-ripening varieties. Based on the current situation, the production is expected to at least double from last year's 1,000 tons.
Astudillo emphasized that last year's first batch of cherries air-exported to China came from greenhouses in central Chile, with relatively low fruit hardness. The cherries grown outdoors in Ovalle naturally ripen, are larger, have a vibrant color, firm flesh, and a crisp, refreshing taste. This season's opening market price is expected to be higher, which is a positive signal for the market.
Image source: masp2025 International Fruit and Vegetable Report. All rights reserved. For reprint permission, please contact the International Fruit and Vegetable Report and credit the source.
Original content
Located in the Coquimbo region of northern Chile, Ovalle is the earliest area for cherry ripening and one of the first regions in the Southern Hemisphere to begin cherry exports. Ovalle mainly grows early varieties such as Brooks and Nimba. Thanks to favorable winter climate conditions and the commissioning of new orchards, it is estimated that Ovalle's cherry production for the 2025/26 season will exceed 2,000 tons, with the first batch of shipments starting to be air-exported to the Chinese market in sync with the Patagonia cherries from Argentina, beginning in the 42nd week. Agricultural consultant Jorge Astudillo is optimistic about this season, noting that cherry blossoms this year have started five days earlier than last year, which is very close to the normal situation in Ovalle. Early varieties will begin to be harvested from October 20-22, mainly Brooks, Royal Dawn, Nimba, and Santina. A wave of cherry planting enthusiasm appeared in the region five years ago, and this ...
Source: Guojiguoshu
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