In celebration of the arrival, for the first time, of a "Cherry Express" at the port of Dalian in China, ASOEX signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the operator of the port of Dalian, Liaoning Port Group and the Maersk shipping company, with the aim of working cooperatively to improve the import of Chilean cherries and other fresh fruits in northeast China.

"This MoU is a first step to formalize 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 center in northeast China," said Iván Marambio, president of ASOEX, during the signing of the agreement that was carried out together with the authorities of the port of Dalian and Maersk in China.

"We will strive to exchange information and good practices aimed at facilitating our fresh fruit exports to this region," he added.

Likewise, the president of ASOEX highlighted that 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, " which is part of the strategic objective of our sector to diversify our destination ports throughout China and thus strengthen our presence in second and third level cities”.

First Cherry Express

During this same day, the president of ASOEX, and Claudia Soler, manager of the ASOEX Cherries Committee, led the arrival ceremony of the first "Cherry Express" of the Yidu Group in northern China.

“Despite the many challenges we have faced, China is and will continue to be our main export partner in the Asian region and, for many species, in the world. Our industry is committed to supplying the Chinese market with the best that our country can offer in terms of quality and with a wide availability of fresh fruits that meet the demanding requirements of the Chinese consumer," said Marambio.

The ASOEX President also highlighted the efforts of ASOEX importers, distributors, exporters and other partners in logistics chain and supply chain improvements this year.

He also welcomed the close collaboration between port authorities, customs agents, municipal officials and ship crews to carry out a customs clearance process for Chilean cherries, which arrive at the port of Dalian in less than an hour. "All these efforts allow us to preserve the quality of the fruit, reduce costs, logistical delays, and arrive with the fruit with the quality, condition, and freshness that consumers expect."

Cherry exports

According to a new estimate from the ASOEX Cherries Committee, exports of Chilean fresh cherries to world markets are expected to exceed 80 million boxes, or some 400.000 metric tons. Although this figure is lower than the estimate of 89 million boxes made in October, if it is fulfilled, it would mean a new record for Chilean cherry exports.

As the main destination for its cherry exports, the Chinese market is of vital importance for Chilean producers and exporters.