China’s fruit lovers relish the taste of ‘cherry freedom’ as prices plunge

China’s middle class is savouring the sweet, sweet taste of “cherry freedom” ahead of this year’s Lunar New Year holiday, as falling prices make the fruit affordable to millions of consumers for the first time in years.

Cherries were once seen as a luxury item in China, with prices often above 100 yuan (US$13.75) per 500 grams (17.64 ounces), but that has changed dramatically in recent months after a record-breaking harvest in Chile led to a surge in cheap imports.

Prices have fallen to under one-third of their original level – half a kilogram of cherries now sells for just 30 yuan – sparking a buying spree among Chinese fruit lovers.

The term “cherry freedom” has become a buzzword on Chinese social media as a result, as users expressed delight at finally being able to buy the fruit again without feeling guilty.