Cherry 2025/26: The Record Export Year Demanding Flawless Logistics

The Chilean fruit industry is preparing for a record cherry export season. With over 80,000 productive hectares and an estimated 730,000 metric tons of production, the 2025/26 cycle promises to consolidate Chile as a global leader in the sector. China remains the primary destination, accounting for over 90% of the volume. 

The logistical window extends from week 40 to week 52, with a peak in activity during week 48, and an operational carry-over into the first 8 weeks of 2026 due to blueberry exports. As of the publication of this article, we are in week 41, with the first shipments underway and the international market on high alert. 

This accelerated growth also places increased pressure on the logistics chain: availability of refrigerated containers, port congestion, shipment coordination, and adherence to critical deadlines. Any failure can result in millions in losses. 

The exponential increase in fruit cargo within such a short timeframe creates unusual strain on every logistical link. These are some of the scenarios faced by exporting companies: 

• Port Saturation: Shipments on hold or forced rerouting due to lack of space. Result: delays, loss of freshness, contractual penalties. 
• Refrigerated Container Shortage: Availability limitations forcing shipments under suboptimal conditions. Result: spoilage, thermal shocks, rejection at destination. 
• High Staff Turnover and Extended Shifts: Increased potential for handling errors. Result: impacts, breakages, condensation. 
• Rescheduled or Suspended Itineraries: Last-minute route changes. Result: additional costs, extended transit times, missed delivery windows. 
• Lack of Supply Chain Visibility: Absence of active monitoring or alerts. Result: delayed response to deviations or incidents. 

Collectively, these factors can compromise cargo integrity, impact company reputation, and lead to significant financial losses if adequate coverage and robust logistical support are not in place. 

On December 27, 2024, the vessel Maersk Saltoro departed from the port of San Antonio, as part of the Cherry Express service, transporting over 1,350 containers of cherries, blueberries, and other fresh fruits destined for China to supply the Chinese New Year market. On January 13, 2025, the vessel experienced a mechanical failure at sea—within Micronesia's exclusive economic zone—and was adrift for several weeks. Upon its eventual arrival in Nansha, China, it was delayed by 52 days. 

Despite the cold chain being maintained, Chinese customs authorities determined that the fruit was unfit for commercialization and ordered its destruction. The incident impacted over 95 Chilean exporters, including Lo Garces, Copefrut, Dole, and Geofrut, with estimated losses of USD 120 million. 

Concurrently, the shipping company filed a petition with the Civil Court of Valparaíso to limit its legal liability to a fund of USD 16.4 million, a move that sparked controversy among the affected parties. Associations such as SNA and Fedefruta questioned the transparency of the vessel's maintenance protocols and the shipping company's lack of timely response. 

The case remains ongoing and underscores the critical importance of adequate insurance for perishable cargo, which includes clauses for delays, total loss, and cargo deterioration. Exporters without comprehensive coverage faced total losses and a protracted litigation process. This situation also highlighted the fragility of market concentration models, the necessity of diversifying destinations, and, above all, the urgency of planning logistics with robust support.

In this challenging environment, Hanseatica positions itself as a strategic partner for exporters, logistics operators, and producers seeking to protect their end-to-end operations. Our offering extends beyond a mere policy; it is a comprehensive insurance solution designed to anticipate unforeseen events and support every segment of the journey. 

At Hanseatica, we design our Cargo Insurance with every vulnerable point of the export operation in mind.

Because we understand that simply 'having insurance' is insufficient: what makes the difference is having coverage built upon an in-depth understanding of the fruit business, international logistical demands, and the actual risks that can impact your cargo at every stage of its journey. Our offering includes the following protections: 

• All-Risk Coverage: applies to all segments (land, sea, air, and multimodal), providing comprehensive protection from the packing house to the final destination. 
• Vehicle Accident: collision, overturning, falling off a cliff, and/or derailment of the transporting vehicle, fire, explosion, collapse, falling trees or poles, etc.; as well as severe weather events (lightning, hurricane, cyclone, tornado, flood, mudslide, or avalanche). 
• General Average: loss or damage incurred during maritime transport. 
• Sinking or capsizing of the vessel or craft, stranding, grounding, jettison, or being swept overboard by waves. 
• Theft 
• Pilferage 
• Loading and Unloading Damage 
• Stock Throughput: optional, also covering storage and local distribution stages. 
• Non-delivery of Entire Package 
• Disappearance of Cargo 
• Refrigeration Equipment Breakdown 
• Vandalism or Malicious Acts 
• Waiver of recourse against land carrier
• Furthermore, our clients receive continuous legal and technical assistance in the event of incidents.

In summary, the upcoming Cherry 2025/26 season presents a historic opportunity for Chilean exporters, yet also a scenario of high operational risk. Possessing a specialized policy, tailored to seasonality and supported by a top-tier logistics strategy, can differentiate between success and loss. 

 Are you looking to quote your customized coverage for Cherry 2025/26?  Schedule a meeting with our specialists and discover how Hanseatica can enhance your export logistics with tailored solutions. Contact us!