Chilean cherry estimate drops after significant rains

The Chilean Cherry Committee, which represents more than 85 percent of the volume of global Chilean cherry exports, released its second estimate for 2023-24, which factors in the impact of rains this season. The committee forecasts global exports of 81.48 million boxes (five kilogram each), a decrease of 14.6 percent from their first estimate in October, and slightly lower (1.89 percent) than last season's total exports.

"It’s been very challenging for the industry to estimate how volumes have been affected by El Niño," said Claudia Soler, executive director of the Chilean Cherry Committee. "Volumes vary from week to week, and the impact of adverse weather conditions, like the latest rains, cannot be immediately understood. We will be sending updated volume estimates as the season progresses.”

Soler added that the week of Dec. 18 remains the peak for global exports. “There is strong demand throughout our global markets, so our efforts are focused on shipping the fruit with the quality and condition that the markets expect," she said. "Despite the drop in volumes, we are confident that it will be a good season.”