Chongqing - Cherries, a popular imported fruit, have become a star item on Chinese tables during the Spring Festival. The fluctuations in cherry prices during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday have drawn significant attention from consumers across China.

A consumer interviewed before the Spring Festival holiday noted that cherry prices were significantly higher last year but dropped considerably in 2025, making cherries more affordable.

Mr. Hu, an employee of Freshippo, explained, “Compared to last year, cherry prices have dropped by over 30% before the Spring Festival. For consumers, this is a very affordable price.”

The drop in cherry prices is due to increased supply and lower transportation costs. The Chilean Cherries Committee under Frutas de Chile predicts a 50% rise in Chile's cherry production for the 2024/25 season, resulting in more cherries being shipped to China.

Mr. Hu further stated that the cherries' transportation method shifted from air freight to sea freight, reducing transportation costs and contributing to the overall decrease in prices.

Rising demand and reduced production are expected to drive up cherry prices during the Spring Festival. Yang Liu, President of Western Premium Fruit Industry, noted that a severe fruit drop in late harvests led to a decline in high-quality cherries. The combination of lower supply and higher demand during the holiday will likely cause price increases.

(Huan Ran, as an intern, also contributed to the report).