DP World Powers Chile’s Cherry Export Boom Ahead of Chinese New Year

SAN ANTONIO, CHILE | DECEMBER 10, 2025 – DP World is expanding capacity, accelerating vessel operations, and enhancing cold-chain resiliency at its San Antonio terminal to ensure a record 2025–26 cherry season, further strengthening Chile’s position as a leading exporter of fresh fruit to Asia. Coordinating closely with shipping lines, exporters, maritime agencies, and customs authorities, DP World is preparing the direct express services that will ensure Chilean cherries reach China ahead of the Chinese New Year in February 2026.

Last season, the terminal handled more than 12.8 million boxes of cherries – double the previous year – supported by one of the most advanced reefer operations in the country, with more than 2,700 reefer plugs and advanced terminal technology. In 2024, Chile’s cherry exports reached US$3.1 billion, underscoring the sector’s importance to the national agriculture and global trade.

Rising Volumes and Extended Seasonal Demand

For the 2025-2026 season:

• DP World expects the arrival of 13 cherry vessels and approximately 14,800 TEU.
• There is a projected increase in refrigerated cherry containers from 4,850 units to 5,350 units.
• The season launches on November 28 with the arrival of the CMA CGM FORT JAME, peak activity between December 16-2, and completion on January 17 with the CMA CGM LITANI.
• Additional vessel frequency will be driven by the ACSA service, extending the active export window into the third week of January.

Curtis Doiron, CEO of DP World in Chile, said: “Chile’s cherry exports represent one of the country’s most important agricultural trade flows, and DP World is proud to play a key role in ensuring their quality and timely arrival to global markets. Through coordinated planning with shipping lines and exporters, advanced reefer capacity, and our state-of-the-art mooring system, we are well-positioned to support another record season for Chilean exports.”

Enhanced Infrastructure and Cold-Chain Capabilities

To handle rising volumes and maintain cold-chain integrity from origin to vessel loading, DP World has strengthened its infrastructure, processes, and workforce capacity:

• Increased reefer support, including a 20% rise in refrigeration technicians.
• Power pack deployment to free reefer racks for cherry shipments.
• Deployment of real-time remote monitoring system for all connected containers.
• Expanded reefer maintenance and repair support.
• Temperature and treatment data downloads for 450+ units.
• Continued use of DP World’s export scheduling system to optimize truck flow, yard productivity, and turnaround times.
• Automated vacuum-mooring technology to enhance safety and accelerate vessel operations.

Direct, rapid services remain central to the season’s logistics strategy. CMA CGM’s ACSA service and ZIM’s Albatros services will again provide rapid connections to key Asian markets. CMA CGM’s Cherry Express 2025 offers a 23-day transit time to Shanghai, with eight scheduled calls between November 28 and January 16.

Chile exports nearly 90% of its cherries to China, where the fruit symbolizes prosperity during Lunar New Year celebrations. The annual arrival of Chilean cherries has become a cultural and commercial phenomenon across major Chinese cities, driving record demand and reinforcing Chile’s leadership in premium fruit exports.

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DP World Americas Media Contact: 

Melina Vissat, Head of Communications

• M: (+1) 704-605-6159
• E: [email protected]

About DP World

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 125,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

In the Americas, DP World operates with a team of over 16,000 people across 12 countries, driving excellence through a robust network of 14 ports and terminals and more than 40 warehouses. By harnessing our global reach and local expertise, we simplify logistics, enhance operational performance, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in global trade.

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