Summary
Chile's cherry planting area has expanded from 38, 000 hectares in 2019 to about 80, 000 hectares by 2025,
with production for the 2025/2026 season reaching a record high. Direct sea freight has cut shipping times to 22 days, while zero tariffs lower import costs. Wholesale prices in Guangzhou fell 22% year-on-year to a five-year low; Sam's Club 3J cherries dropped from NZD 159.9 to NZD 79.9 per kilogram.
Commentary
Chilean cherry area has doubled, shipping has accelerated, and zero tariffs have halved prices. New Zealand cherry exports rely heavily on the high-price Chinese New Year airfreight market. Now Chile is dragging down the category average, while domestic cherries fill the summer-autumn gap, saturating supply year-round.
NZ merchants must focus on differentiated varieties and scarce seasonal windows, using brand stories to support premiums, and explore Southeast Asian markets to diversify risk.
Keywords: cherries, price decline, Chile, planting area, production, sea freight, zero tariff, domestic cherries, wholesale price, retail price
Source: Sina
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