U.S. retailers depend on imported fresh fruits from Chile, one of the most important stakeholders in the produce industry worldwide. We know the counter-seasonal harvest of this beautiful long, narrow country on the western coast of South America provides U.S. consumers year-round access to a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruit — especially blueberries, grapes and stone fruit.
Chile’s grape harvest hasn’t had the best year in 2021, with some unexpected rainfall and other unfavorable weather mid-season, but it’s typically been the top exporter of grapes to the U.S.
However, Chile projects that cherry exports to the U.S. will see substantial growth in 2021-22, and for the first time, the season will run more than 12 weeks, from November through February, according to the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association.
The Chilean Cherry Committee estimates that almost 13,000 tons will be shipped to the U.S. market during the 2021-22 season.
To support the increased volumes, the committee is expanding its marketing program, encouraging consumers to “Cherrish the Moment” with promotions using new merchandising material December through February.
That material will be for retailers to use in-store and online, including social media and e-commerce.
“Chilean cherries are a delicious addition to just about anything,” association managing director Karen Brux said in a news release. “Whether shared with family over the holidays, used in a special dessert for Valentine’s Day, given as a gift for Chinese New Year, or just eaten on the sofa while watching TV — there are so many ways to “Cherrish the Moment” with Chilean cherries.”
Keep a lookout for those Chilean cherries.