The cherry industry has changed its landscape, and with it, the indicators that determine orchard profitability. This was the view of Christian Gallegos, a specialist consultant in blueberries and cherries, during his participation in the second CherryTech 2026 forum, where he analyzed the challenges facing the industry after two seasons marked by lower returns.
According to the agronomist, the main objective for producers should be to increase the production of exportable fruit, since reducing costs per hectare does not necessarily improve economic results. “Today, the goal is to lower costs per kilo, and that is achieved by increasing the amount of fruit exported per hectare,” he explained, adding that the business requires combining volume and quality, prioritizing firm fruit with a high proportion of Jumbo or larger sizes—conditions that meet current market demands.
In this context, he affirmed that the threshold for competitiveness has also changed. While a few seasons ago an orchard yielding 8,000 kilos per hectare could be profitable, today that yield is no longer sufficient. Therefore, in his opinion, the new minimum production level is around 12,000 kilos per hectare, although he clarified that each orchard has a different potential and that this value should be understood as a minimum reference point for facing the new scenario.
The specialist also urged growers not to compromise key agronomic practices in an attempt to reduce costs, highlighting the importance of integrated soil management, irrigation, plant health, crop load management, pruning, and early thinning—practices that directly impact the quality and productivity of the orchard. He emphasized that detailed cost management will allow for better use of available resources and a more efficient approach to the coming seasons.
Read the full interview here.