This season's first batch of Chilean cherries arrived in Hong Kong today (Monday), according to a local source that spoke to us on condition of anonymity.

The load of 99 boxes of Earlise variety arrived in the autonomous territory and are expected to be released into the market on Tuesday, the source said. 

Last year the first a fruit arrived at the beginning of November, meaning the inaugural shipment of this season reached the market more than a week earlier.

The Chilean cherry industry has been making an effort over recent years to extend its season on both ends.

The Earlise variety is typically harvested during the last week of October and is characterized by its dark red color and an average size of 26 to 28mm.

Chilean cherry grower Consorcio Viveros de Chile (CVChile) has held the varietal rights for the planting of this variety since 2010. The international rights belong to French company Pépinières et Roseraies Georges Delbard S.A.

Photo: Anfic.com.au