Chilean multinational Hortifrut has decided to exit cherry production and exports entirely, citing two consecutive seasons of poor results in its cherry division. The company is refocusing entirely on berries, which have been central to its strategy since its founding.
Hortifrut is one of the largest fresh produce companies in Latin America, with significant scale in blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Its exit from cherries is a signal of just how difficult the category has become — even for large, well-resourced operators. Chilean cherries are a major source of supply for North American retailers during the winter season.
Watch for potential shifts in Chilean cherry supply dynamics heading into the 2026-27 Southern Hemisphere season. If other large operators follow suit or reduce investment, winter cherry availability and pricing for North American buyers could be affected.