Argentine cherries close the season with record numbers

The quality and volume of the Argentine cherries have increased in recent years. With just a few programs this season, exports are expected to grow and reach 7%and reach 7,700 tons.

Aníbal Caminiti, General Manager of the Argentine Chamber of Integrated Cherry Producers (Capci), told Fürstruitportal.com that Argentinian cherries do well on the markets, with improved every year.

Argentine Kirschmarkt

Caminiti found that the United States and China are the main destinations for Argentine cherries, each of which made 30% of the programs. Other key markets are the European Union, the United Kingdom and the Middle East as well as South America, Southeast Asia and Africa.

“We have also entered newly built markets such as Egypt, Estonia, Nepal and Northern Ireland,” he said.

He explained that most Argentine cherries are transported by air, with 80% of exports being sent in this way due to the country's lower production volume. “Our companies work on a certain scale so that most of their programs are on the air,” he added.

Argentina's export model differs from countries such as Chile, which, due to its higher production volume, mainly moves cherries on the sea route.

“This year will be crucial for Argentina and Chile because we share the same markets,” said Caminiti.

Argentine and Chilean cherries

With regard to Chile's position, Caminiti noticed: “There will inevitably be more Chilean cherries in all markets, even in those that may not be so visible. This season Chile increased its exportable volume by more than 50%and will continue to grow. “

“That is why China has to remain the main market for Chilean cherries – no other market can start the volumes that Chile produces,” he said. “Chilean cherries depend on China and China depends on Chile. There is no other supplier in the southern hemisphere that can meet the needs of this market.”

Caminiti emphasized that Chile had to analyze his strategy because cherries that were not sent to China in future seasons will be entered in other markets shared with Argentina. “This will affect prices, and we have been preparing for several years by focusing on quality,” he said.

Message to the Argentine industry

With regard to the Argentine industry, Caminiti has emphasized the responsible growth of the sector, which has remained modest due to internal challenges for expanding planted areas.

“Today we increase the volume, but no planted surface, which is due to greater know-how and improved efficiency of companies in business,” he said.

The main goal of the industry is to maintain high quality. “We started developing a specific quality protocol three years ago that offers an important basis for ensuring market access,” he said. “There is no way to successfully participate without quality fruit.”

“Quality cherries can compete more effectively with Chilean cherries. I think we are prepared, but we'll see how the markets react to the continued growth of Chiles, ”he concluded.

Photographs with the kind permission of Aníbal Caminiti.