Market Update for Cherries

Week of November 28 – December 4

Shipments of air cherries from Chile have more than doubled this year compared to volumes from 2021. We have been expecting these increased volumes as marketers have been promoting a strong import season for Chilean cherries since September. The transportation strike in Chile is impacting the cherry industry as container shipments could be delayed and the first bulk vessel of the season is sitting at port waiting for more volume to be delivered. General logistics continue to face challenges, which could impact new air shipments as well. Air cargo space is now at a premium, as growers try to push more volume out of the country. The U.S. spot market ranges from $52.00 to $56.00 for jumbo air fruit and $60.00 to $64.00 for premium double and triple jumbo lots. We can expect air pricing to remain stable until the first containers arrive by mid-December, followed by the first bulk vessel scheduled for December 20^th.