The Chilean Kiwifruit Committee (Comité de Kiwi) has revealed that the group’s 48 member companies have so far stored 33,000 tonnes of kiwifruit during the 2009/10 season – down 10,000-15,000 tonnes on the original figure forecast for the period.
In an official statement released by the group, Committee president Ricardo González expressed surprise since the industry had been expecting an increase in volume against the previous season.
However, Mr González pointed out that this season’s fruit has been shipped faster than in previous years and indicated that fruit quality and condition are both reported to be good.
Although admitting that that this season has been difficult market-wise, Mr González said the positive comments regarding improved quality and, in particular, better eating quality mean the market is slowly starting to appreciate the Committee’s efforts.
Moreover, he said the reduction in fruit volume is “good news”, adding that the good condition of fruit this year points towards a positive close to the season.
In the future, Mr González revealed that the Committee will focus even more on fruit quality and condition in an effort to boost the consumer experience.
“We will work to position the Committee’s fruit and its logo as different from the companies that are not yet on board,” he explained.
The Chilean Kiwifruit Committee currently represents more than 80 per cent of the kiwifruit supplied from the South American nation.
At the beginning of the season, the Committee expected total exports for the 2009/10 season to reach in the region of 190,000 tonnes.
