The certification of early Chilean table grapes under the FreshAtacama seal has begun in the South American country’s Copiapó Valley, marking the beginning of Chile’s export window, according to a press release from the movement.
The process started on 16 November for the Perlette and Prime varieties, with 1,000,000 cartons of FreshAtacama-certified grapes expected to be shipped to the US and Asia this season.
During its first season in operation, in 2011/12, some 297,654 cartons were exported under the label.
The standard is designed to distinguish early-season Chilean grapes and show a commitment to quality among growers from the Copiapó and Huasco Valleys in the Atacama region.
FreshAtacama is part of a programme by the Chilean Foundation for Agricultural Innovation (FIA), financed by the Fund for Innovation and Competitiveness (FIC) through the regional government.
The regional certification already has the participation of 14 producers from the area.
According to organisers, the FreshAtacama seal is a guarantee of fruit quality consistency; healthy, well-finished, well-shaped and consistent fruit; a region of origin with unique features; and socially and environmentally responsible production.
The Atacama region represents 12 per cent of the table grape export crop from Chile and 15 per cent of the national planted area in the country or 8,000 acres.
The region’s climatic conditions enable the grapes to ripen earlier and healthier, while high temperatures protect crops from fungi and other diseases.
Although the US is the main destination for Atacama table grapes, with a 58 per cent market share, the level continues to decline as prices rise.
China currently ranks in second place with 7.4 per cent, followed by Mexico which receives 6.1 per cent of the export crop.
