New route opens for Chilean cherries to China

Chilean fruit exporters association Asoex has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the operator of the port of Dalian, Liaoning Port Group and Maersk, to improve access to northeast China for Chilean cherries and other fresh fruits. The agreement was made following the arrival of the first ever Cherry Express service at the port of Dalian in China.

Asoex president Iván Marambio said: “This is a first step towards formalising the already existing relationships that exporters in the Chilean fruit sector have with the Port of Dalian, which is an emerging and important port logistics centre in northeast China. We will strive to exchange information and good practices aimed at facilitating our fresh fruit exports to this region.”

Marambio said the arrival of the first Cherry Express at the port of Dalian and the signing of this MoU reflect the efforts of the Chilean industry to diversify the destination ports for Chilean cherries and fresh fruits in China. This is part of Chile’s strategic objective to diversify its destination ports throughout China and thus strengthen its presence in second and third level cities.

The latest estimates show Chilean cherry exports will exceed 80 million cartons this season, equivalent to around 400,000 tons, which would be a new record.