New Cherry Packing Facility to Strengthen Ñuble’s Agricultural Economy with US$645 Million Investment
In a major step toward enhancing Chile’s agricultural infrastructure, New Day Fruits (NDF) has unveiled plans to build a state-of-the-art cherry packing facility in the Ñuble region. The initiative is aimed at supporting the area’s rapidly expanding cherry industry, which now spans over 3,000 hectares of cultivation.
The project, valued at US$645 million, is part of the Strengthening and Attracting Technology-Based Productive Investments (IFI) programme. Funded by the Ñuble Regional Government and administered by the Chilean Economic Development Agency (Corfo), the IFI programme seeks to stimulate regional economic growth through a blend of public and private investment.
NDF’s new facility will be equipped to process at least 3,200 tonnes of cherries annually. The bulk of the funding will come from private stakeholders within NDF, with significant co-financing provided by the public sector.
Once operational, the facility is projected to create over 260 direct jobs. Additionally, the company anticipates generating approximately 3,000 indirect employment opportunities during peak harvest periods, providing a vital economic boost to the region.
Ñuble’s regional governor, Óscar Crisóstomo, who recently toured the NDF site, emphasized the government’s commitment to decentralizing Chile’s agricultural export operations. “Our goal is to strengthen local logistics so producers no longer have to depend on other regions to export their goods,” he stated.
NDF’s facility is one of four projects currently approved under the IFI programme. Among them is another major cherry packhouse, being developed by exporter Cordillera, with a projected investment exceeding US$700 million.
The series of initiatives marks a significant milestone in positioning Ñuble as a central hub in Chile’s cherry export chain and highlights the region’s potential as a driver of agricultural innovation and employment.
