A total of 17 Cherry Express ships, with a capacity of nearly 5,000 tons in 240 containers, will transport the fruit to the Asian giant.

Chilean Minister of Agriculture Esteban Valenzuela, along with other authorities and executives from the fruit sector, made an inspection and reconnaissance visit to the Port of Valparaíso, for the Chilean fresh fruit export season.

"We are happy because we have a peak in November, December and January for cherry shipments, which is essential. Asia is the main destination for the logistics work of the shipping companies with the fruit sector," said the Secretary of State.

There will be 17 “Cherry Express” ships that will take the fruit to the Asian giant to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Each of these ships will have a capacity of about 5 thousand tons in 240 containers.

Valenzuela praised the public-private work that has allowed the cherry sector to improve its prospects.

"It is estimated that it will grow around - but we have to see - 40-50% more (in cherries), 120 million boxes no more and no less, and that is extraordinary. And it is a chain that generates value, direct and indirect employment (…)", he said.

The Cherry Express began operating in the Port of Valparaíso six years ago and was designed to transport Chilean cherries directly to China within 23 days, which represents a saving of one week on the sea journey.

Milestones that will benefit fruit exports this season

-Signing of a protocol with China for the shipment of fruit by third countries: this new protocol recently signed within the framework of the tour of Undersecretary Ignacia Fernández and Foreign Minister Alberto Van Klaveren to China, allows the export of fruit by sea to Mexico and then finalize the shipment by air to China.

"This is a significant step forward in terms of export logistics, as a fast ship takes 22 days and the sea/air route reduces this by half. This is especially relevant for the start of exports to China," the government said.

-Publication of the Systems Approach standard for table grapes for export to the United States: after more than 20 years of negotiation, the United States published this standard that allows the export of table grapes from the regions of Atacama, Coquimbo and Valparaíso without the use of methyl bromide, "which allows for greater competitiveness of Chilean exports in the North American country."