Chile cherry sector faces next test inside the orchard

Chile’s cherry industry is entering a phase where competitiveness will depend less on planted area and more on the commercial value produced by each hectare.

That was one of the main points raised by Carlos Tapia, Chilean cherry production specialist, during CherryTech 2026 in San Francisco de Mostazal. His presentation focused on orchard-level decisions that affect yield, size, consistency and export returns.

Export weight

Chile remains the main force in global cherry exports. According to figures presented by Tapia, the country accounts for about 71% of cherries exported worldwide. In the 2025-2026 season, Southern Hemisphere shipments reached close to 570 million kilos, with Chile representing around 97.3% of that volume.

This position gives Chile scale, but also increases exposure. Climate, logistics or production problems in the country can affect a large share of global supply.

Acreage pressure

Chile currently has around 82,000 hectares planted with cherry trees. No more than 70,000 hectares are estimated to be in full production, meaning that 15% to 16% of the area is still young or only starting to enter production.

Tapia estimated that about 13,000 hectares will gradually add more volume. At the same time, 4,000 to 5,000 hectares could be removed this year, mainly from low-performing orchards. A further 10,000 hectares could be removed next season.

However, lower acreage would not automatically mean lower supply. Many orchards being removed produce less than 7 or 8 tonnes per hectare, while newer plantings may deliver higher yields.

Productivity gap

Average productivity has improved from about 6.4 tonnes per hectare before 2020 to around 9.5 tonnes between 2020 and 2026. In the latest season, Chile reached close to 9.7 tonnes per hectare.

Tapia said the sector remains below the 12-tonne-per-hectare level needed as a competitive reference. In a 2025-2026 sample, orchards averaged about 10.5 tonnes per hectare, with 69% of fruit at 2J size or above and around 85% packout.

This means size and packout are moving close to target, but yield remains the main gap.

Variety results

Lapins showed stronger performance in the data presented, with around 13 tonnes per hectare, 86% packout and 75% of fruit at 2J or above. Santina remained more demanding, especially in balancing early harvest, load, size, firmness and condition.

Regina was affected by accelerated spring conditions. Although some orchards reached around 12 tonnes per hectare, only about 61% of fruit reached 2J or above. Faster heat accumulation shortened the time available for fruit growth, especially in later varieties.

Technical risks

Tapia pointed to several areas requiring closer management: variety and rootstock combinations, crop load, water use, climate monitoring and responsible use of growth regulators.

He also warned that irrigation based only on hours can be inaccurate. Actual water volumes delivered to the orchard give a clearer basis for decisions, especially during weeks of sudden atmospheric demand.

The broader message is that Chile’s next cherry challenge is not simply producing more fruit. It is producing more fruit that can meet export size, condition and profitability requirements at the same time.

source and photo: frutasdechile.cl