Cherry exports from Chile are forecast to fall to approximately 28,800-30,800 tonnes this season due to unstable weather conditions during the country’s spring period, according to a report by Santiago-based fruit analyst and services provider Decofrut and published by Portal Frutícola.
Initial estimates by Decofrut predict a fall in the volume of exportable fruit in the region of 20-22 per cent, with the Bing variety, which represents 80 per cent of exports, the most affected.
The unusual weather pattern has included colder and more humid conditions, Decofrut said, which have affected flowering and fructification in some areas, and in many cases halting the processes altogether.
In the last few years, Chilean cherry exports have grown strongly, according to Decofrut, reaching a record 44,445 tonnes in 2007/08 on the back of new orchards entering production. Last season, meanwhile, volume levelled off at 38,540 tonnes.
This year’s harvesting got underway as recently as week 44 in the early regions of Coquimbo and Valparaíso.
