Chile’s renowned cherry belt has become the stage for a significant shift in 2025, as one company redefines the fruit’s journey from the farm to global markets. Global Ag Supply, led by managing partner Anibal Schurter, has built a model that blends science, genetics, patents, intellectual property, infrastructure innovation, marketing and export intelligence. The results are better fruits for growers and consumers, with better taste, shelf life and most importantly, higher returns to help growers stand out in an increasingly competitive global arena.
Schurter, 38, is per definition a Pomologist, Inventor and Farmer. He grew up in small plum farm in the Colchagua valley. Then he studied for a bachelor in agricultural engineering from where he spent his first professional years developing a more innovation-driven approach in the stone fruit sector, both in Chile as well as in cooperation with US farmers and scientists. His main key conviction is that growers, where all starts, deserve better access and control over new fruit genetics, systems and a clear path to high-value markets and returns.
In October 13th, 2025 in the Colchagua Valley, Global Ag Supply harvested the first commercial cherry, that was also the first cherry box sold in China for season 2025/2026. The fruit was air-shipped and sold directly through TikTok. Packs of 2.5 kilograms reached prices near 1,100 yuan, roughly 150 US dollars. This digital-first launch marked the start of other early sales in Europe and the US. More than a high first price, being early allows to select and open now markets in weeks with no commercial cherries available in the world.
Innovation That Starts in the Orchard
Global Ag Supply operates more like an innovation platform, partnering with growers and then jointly legally protecting new varieties and technologies. This recognition has allowed Global Ag to represent two of the world’s most successful stone fruit program for Chile: California based Zaiger and BQ (former Bradford) Genetics programs.
With genetics as a founding block, Global Ag innovates also in orchard design, plant propagation (virus free), and proprietary IP, with patents in more than 16 countries. Two key US first patented tools are the Climate Control Tech (CCtech®) that allow by controlled mist, grow kiwifruit and avocados in very warm and dry regions and, the Dormancy Control System, DCtech®, developed in 2010 by Schurter and longtime US collaborator and grower John Warmerdam. The system uses controlled shades in autumn to block, amongst other effects, the UV-B red light in the 600-750 nm range, to promote uniform tree dormancy in winter, that later favor a better flowering, fruit set and fruit quality.
Global Ag Supply also has collaboration programs with other US Ag universities and manages with other partners the breeding programs for Holovousy, specialized in mid to late season cherries, as well as the Krymsk rootstock programs, key for a virus free vegetal propagation. In all, these partnerships and innovation programs are reshaping the cherry industry for the next years.
A Market Strategy Built for Premium Returns
The sale of Global Ag Supply fruit on live-stream TikTok signals a shift in distribution and innovation for the traditional Grower-Exporter model. Rather than relying on wholesale channels that do no differentiate new genetics and better-quality fruit, the team engages consumers directly in Asia through its on office in China.
These innovations and efforts matter as the global cherry sector enters a demanding era. Supply growth, climate volatility and changing consumer behavior (and power through positive or negative fake news) pressure margins. Growers that combine science and new technologies will have better margins and a higher change to pass their business to the next generation.
Looking Forward With a Clear Vision
Global Ag Supply is steadily moving toward its longer-term ambitions: Produce better fruit for growers and consumer during the 12 months. To do so in a fresh-fruit, counter-seasonal business, it is partnering with growers from the US, Peru and South Africa.
In a business environment defined by rising geopolitical volatility and growing climate pressures, ag companies can only achieve growth and long-term success by expanding into new markets, advancing genetic innovation, and diversifying their technology portfolios.
Global Ag Supply represents a modern vision for fruit production. It brings together genetics, agronomy, engineering and marketing in a unified strategy. Under Schurter's leadership, the company is moving in a direction that will help shape the next generation of global agriculture.
Schurter, 38, is per definition a Pomologist, Inventor and Farmer. He grew up in small plum farm in the Colchagua valley. Then he studied for a bachelor in agricultural engineering from where he spent his first professional years developing a more innovation-driven approach in the stone fruit sector, both in Chile as well as in cooperation with US farmers and scientists. His main key conviction is that growers, where all starts, deserve better access and control over new fruit genetics, systems and a clear path to high-value markets and returns.
In October 13th, 2025 in the Colchagua Valley, Global Ag Supply harvested the first commercial cherry, that was also the first cherry box sold in China for season 2025/2026. The fruit was air-shipped and sold directly through TikTok. Packs of 2.5 kilograms reached prices near 1,100 yuan, roughly 150 US dollars. This digital-first launch marked the start of other early sales in Europe and the US. More than a high first price, being early allows to select and open now markets in weeks with no commercial cherries available in the world.Innovation That Starts in the Orchard
Global Ag Supply operates more like an innovation platform, partnering with growers and then jointly legally protecting new varieties and technologies. This recognition has allowed Global Ag to represent two of the world’s most successful stone fruit program for Chile: California based Zaiger and BQ (former Bradford) Genetics programs.
With genetics as a founding block, Global Ag innovates also in orchard design, plant propagation (virus free), and proprietary IP, with patents in more than 16 countries. Two key US first patented tools are the Climate Control Tech (CCtech®) that allow by controlled mist, grow kiwifruit and avocados in very warm and dry regions and, the Dormancy Control System, DCtech®, developed in 2010 by Schurter and longtime US collaborator and grower John Warmerdam. The system uses controlled shades in autumn to block, amongst other effects, the UV-B red light in the 600-750 nm range, to promote uniform tree dormancy in winter, that later favor a better flowering, fruit set and fruit quality.Global Ag Supply also has collaboration programs with other US Ag universities and manages with other partners the breeding programs for Holovousy, specialized in mid to late season cherries, as well as the Krymsk rootstock programs, key for a virus free vegetal propagation. In all, these partnerships and innovation programs are reshaping the cherry industry for the next years.
A Market Strategy Built for Premium Returns
The sale of Global Ag Supply fruit on live-stream TikTok signals a shift in distribution and innovation for the traditional Grower-Exporter model. Rather than relying on wholesale channels that do no differentiate new genetics and better-quality fruit, the team engages consumers directly in Asia through its on office in China.
These innovations and efforts matter as the global cherry sector enters a demanding era. Supply growth, climate volatility and changing consumer behavior (and power through positive or negative fake news) pressure margins. Growers that combine science and new technologies will have better margins and a higher change to pass their business to the next generation.
Looking Forward With a Clear VisionGlobal Ag Supply is steadily moving toward its longer-term ambitions: Produce better fruit for growers and consumer during the 12 months. To do so in a fresh-fruit, counter-seasonal business, it is partnering with growers from the US, Peru and South Africa.
In a business environment defined by rising geopolitical volatility and growing climate pressures, ag companies can only achieve growth and long-term success by expanding into new markets, advancing genetic innovation, and diversifying their technology portfolios.
Global Ag Supply represents a modern vision for fruit production. It brings together genetics, agronomy, engineering and marketing in a unified strategy. Under Schurter's leadership, the company is moving in a direction that will help shape the next generation of global agriculture.
