Exports of pears from Chile are estimated to dip by 1 per cent to 131,159 tonnes in 2013, down marginally from 131,872 tonnes in the previous season, according to a forecast from Decofrut.
The 2013 season has begun with an overall harvesting delay of five to seven days, Decofrut told Americafruit, Asiafruit and Eurofruit.
Harvesting during week 3 is currently focusing on the Coscia variety, while the picking of Packham's Triumph pears are due to begin in early February.
D’Anjou pear exports will fall by 13 per cent this season, Decofrut said, with Summer Bartlett varieties suffering decreases of 13 per cent and 8 per cent.
Conversely, Forelle and Abate Fetel shipments are expected to grow by about 12 per cent and 8 per cent respectively, thanks to new orchards entering into production and increasing production in existing orchards, which will boost picking volume in comparison with last year.
As for Packham’s Triumph, Decofrut claims its yield and size range – medium – will remain stable with respect to last year, reaching an export volume similar to that of 2012 or 52,740 tonnes.
Finally, Decofrut expects that russeted pear varieties from Chile will have a “good and much higher level of appearance” than in previous years.
