As China enters the winter and prepares to welcome the new year, Chilean cherries in the southern hemisphere begin to mature. The price of Chilean cherries may shock consumers this year.
Chinese importers paid 10% more for Chilean cherries this year because hailstorms and other extreme weather conditions reduced the Chilean cherry harvest. China is the main export destination for Chile. In previous years, Chinese consumers purchased 90% of cherries exported from Chile.
The price of Chilean cherries dropped last year, rather than rise as they had done in previous years, because the production volume was larger and the export volume therefore increased as well. Consumers could not believe their luck, but this year, the price is likely to increase by as much as 20% in comparison with previous years.
