“The advantage of early Chilean cherries only exists when there is real quality”

These days, as the harvest moves towards the central zone, in the Norte Chico we are taking stock of what has been one of the most challenging—and at the same time most revealing—seasons in recent years for the early zones of Chile. What happened between weeks 41 and 44 not only broke traditional production patterns: it shook up the commercial structure, put pressure on the markets, and forced us to take a hard look at our health control systems in a region that seeks to position itself as a strategic platform for the world's first cherries.

In just one season, the volume of early cherries quadrupled compared to the usual levels for that time of year. This growth brought with it unexpected challenges: the massive emergence of new varieties that did not achieve the expected consistency and the simultaneous increase in traditional varieties, generating an aggregate volume never before seen at this point in the calendar.

Read more: Harvestech Covers: The Technology That Preserves the Freshness of Chilean Cherries in Global Markets

The result was strong pressure on the markets and a clear truth: quality remains the only real competitive advantage in the early weeks and, as has been said tirelessly, for exports throughout the rest of the season.

Faced with an explosive increase in supply, exporters had to diversify their markets early on. China could no longer absorb everything, and they had to look to the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Taiwan, and other destinations that value Chilean cherries when they arrive with quality.

The commercial lesson is clear: diversification is no longer just talk, but a strategic necessity.

Fruit fly: from initial adjustment to structural blow

Initially, the early outbreak seemed limited, partially affecting shipments to China and allowing for diversification. But in November, a new outbreak was declared in the heart of Limarí, with a radius of 27.2 km that quarantined much of the valley and banned air shipments to China.

It was a logistical and commercial blow already faced the previous season in areas that depend on speed and the ultra-early window.

The occasional presence of the fly is due to biological phenomena that do not always depend on the farmer, but there is responsibility in cultural practices. Chile is a fruit fly-free country, and maintaining that status is a national priority.

It is essential to strengthen borders, prevent the informal entry of fruit from countries where the pest is present, and work in coordination with the SAG on strict protocols for traceability and fruit movement.

What does this season leave us with?

1. The potential of the Norte Chico region is enormous, but it will depend on fruit of real quality.
2. Early commercial diversification is here to stay.
3. Chile's sanitary status is a strategic asset that must be protected with discipline and coordination.
4. Chile's early window is unique. But that advantage will only be sustainable if it is built on technology, discipline, coordination, and quality.

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