Chilean fresh fruit exports fell by 7.5 per cent to 1.56m tonnes during the 1 September to 27 April period of the 2009/10 campaign, down from 1.69m tonnes last season, according to new figures released by the Chilean Exporters Association (Asoex) and reported by Diario Financiero.
The decline is attributable largely to unfavourable weather conditions during the production period as well as the impact of the earthquake (and its subsequent aftershocks), which struck on 27 February, according to Asoex.
Decreases in table grape and red apple sendings (two of Chile’s main fruit export items) were the most notable shortfalls, with volume falling by 10.4 per cent and 14.2 per cent respectively in comparison to last season.
So far this season, Chile has shipped 718,159 tonnes of table grapes, compared with 801,608 in 2008/09, Asoex said. Red apple sendings, meanwhile, have slipped to 239,597 tonnes, down from 279,411 tonnes last season.
Conversely, Asoex revealed that Chilean avocado exports have risen significantly, with volume reaching some 146,592 tonnes – an impressive 115.9 per cent increase on the 67,895 tonnes recorded in 2008/09.
Other fruit categories have also performed well. Lemon and blueberry shipments were up by 273.8 per cent and 19.9 per cent respectively in comparison to last year.
The US and Europe remained the leading export destinations, receiving 709,468 tonnes and 406,363 tonnes respectively, ahead of Latin America – the third-largest market – with 214,394 tonnes.
