Ring in Christmas and New Year with red, delectable & nutritious Cherries from Chile

To mark the arrival of Chilean Cherries in India, Chilean Cherry Committee of ASOEX organized an exclusive virtual meet event on 20 December 2021. Key speakers at the meet included Marcela Zuñiga, Trade Commissioner, ProChile, Charif Christian Carvajal from ASOEX, renowned nutritionist Ritika Samaddar, celebrated Chef Vicky Ratnani and Sumit Saran, India Marketing Representative for Chilean Cherries.

Earlier last year, the Chilean Cherry Committee of the Chilean Fruit Exporters' Association (ASOEX), alongside the Chilean Embassy in India and the office of the Chilean Trade Commission - ProChile had launched their maiden generic promotion campaign in India to introduce this delightful and nutritious fruit to the discerning health-conscious Indian consumers. The campaign had evoked an overwhelming response in India.

Speaking on occasion, Marcela Zuñiga, Trade Commissioner, ProChile, remarked, "ProChile is a Government entity and a trusted channel that connects the Chilean exporters with Indian importers whose main objective is to improve bilateral trade between both countries. At Prochile, we truly believe that these initiatives are a real connection point between both countries and a strong platform to improve the Chilean presence in the Indian Market. We are proud and delighted to be part of this Cherry campaign and support ASOEX in making this campaign successful. I am indeed happy to see the demand for Chilean Cherries in India as our product is incredible for its premium quality, amazing juicy flavor, large size, and bright red color worldwide."

Joining the virtual session Charif Christian Carvajal M, Director of Marketing Europe and Asia, ASOEX, said, "The broad Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains create a real paradise for cherry production and the unique weather conditions stimulate the growth of cherries. The differences between temperatures during the day and at night are particularly helpful for bringing out the wholesome and ripe flavors of Chilean cherries and assuring their good size and intense red color. Our campaign "Cherry-sh Every Moment" has generated a good response in the market and we have chalked out an extensive retail strategy to take this delicious fruit to discerning Indian consumers across the country, he concluded."

"Last season total cherry exports from Chile reached 255 tons, surpassing the total volume imported in the Indian market the previous season. Chile's exports of fresh cherries for the 2021/22 season are forecast to rise by 2.6% compared to last season, reaching 361,840 tons, according to official projections released on December 8 by ASOEX. Last year Cherry market was relatively small in India, but has increased from 105 ton (2016) to 292 ton (2020), of which 43% come from Chile."

Demonstrating his culinary skills in preparing some mouth-watering recipes using Chilean Cherries, Chef Vicky Ratnani said," Cherries are a great fruit to garnish, decorate and include in your menu, be it in food or beverage. Chef Ratnani lives cooked two recipes – A Cherry Clafoutis inspired by the Indian Haldi Doodh and a Cherry Chaat.

Detailing the health benefits of Cherries, leading nutritionist Ritika Samaddar said, "While navigating the Pandemic, we are now quite aware of the importance of good health. Including Cherries in your daily diet have immense benefits. They are low in calories and high in Vitamin C, packing a powerful antioxidant and antiviral punch. For instance, one cup (154 grams) of sweet, raw, pitted cherries provides vitamin C: 18% of the Daily Value (DV), potassium: 10% of the DV, copper: 5% of the DV and manganese: 5% of the DV. Cherries are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, fiber and other nutrients that your body needs to function optimally. Various studies show that its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and high polyphenols content help fight cellular damage, arthritis, and gout, reduce inflammation, address sleep disorders, and promote overall health. Hence from maintaining heart health to preventing seasonal infections like cough and cold, Cherries can prove beneficial in many ways, including building immunity.

Speaking on the India response to Chilean Cherries, Sumit Saran said In-Country Marketing Representative said, "Since the introduction of Chilean Cherries last year, the demand for them has steadily increased as consumers love their taste and juicy flavor. Chilean cherries will be in the market in December and January, which is a perfect time for fruit like Cherries, as demand is high for Christmas, New Year and the festive period of Pongal, Valentine's Day, etc. Chilean Cherries will be available with retail fruit sellers and e-commerce platforms so that the supply will be adequate for the growing demand. We are doing a host of promotional activities to create awareness about the culinary and health benefits of Chilean Cherries."