Chile’s cherry export market continues to thrive, and Grupo Margozzini, a prominent player in the industry, is preparing for a remarkable 2024/25 season. According to Bruno Margozzini, CEO of Grupo Margozzini, the company anticipates exporting 2.5 million kilograms of cherries this season, a significant jump from the 1.5 million kilograms exported in the 2023/24 season.
This growth is attributed to careful planning and strategic investments, including the expansion of their packing facilities to handle the increased volume efficiently. “We’ve upgraded our packing plants to process the cherries quickly after harvest,” Margozzini told Frutas de Chile, emphasizing the importance of timely processing to maintain quality during export.
Varieties and Regions
Grupo Margozzini operates cherry orchards across Chile’s Quinta, Sexta, and La Araucanía regions. Their primary cherry varieties include Santina, Lapins, and Regina, along with proprietary ANA Chile varieties such as Sweet Aryana, Nimba, and Pacific Red. These varieties are known for their resilience and market demand, particularly in export markets like Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Preparing for Increased Demand
To meet the challenges of handling a larger cherry harvest, the group has focused on logistical improvements, working closely with shipping companies to streamline the export process. The logistics coordination ensures that cherries are exported at the peak of freshness, which is critical in maintaining Chile’s reputation for high-quality produce.
Additionally, labor is a key concern during the harvest. Chile’s agricultural sector has faced workforce shortages in recent years, particularly during the peak cherry harvest period. To address this, Margozzini highlighted the group’s reliance on immigrant labor, facilitated by recent changes to immigration laws. This enables the group to bring in seasonal workers who complement the local workforce, ensuring that the increased production is harvested and processed on time.
Margozzini also noted the importance of maintaining strong relationships with contract workers: “We strive to offer a good working environment and fair conditions, as it’s not just about the money. It’s crucial that workers feel comfortable and valued, which helps us attract the labor we need.”
Grupo Margozzini’s outlook for the 2024/25 cherry export season is highly optimistic. With a 67% increase in expected exports, enhanced packing and logistical capabilities, and a well-managed labor strategy, the company is well-positioned to meet global demand for Chilean cherries. This growth reflects the broader trend of Chile’s increasing dominance in the global cherry market, supported by innovation and careful planning.
