Chile is forecasting a rise in kiwifruit exports to some 168,800-173,500 tonnes this season, up from 157,760 tonnes last year, in what is set to be a “cautious and complicated” season, according to local sources.
“Both Chile and New Zealand are forecasting an increase in kiwifruit volume and there are higher domestic stocks in Europe and the US,” Manuel José Alcaíno, director of Chilean fruit consultancy and service provider Decofruit, told Fruitnet.com.
European kiwifruit stocks are currently 35 per cent higher than at this point last year, according to Mr Alcaíno, which coupled with a contraction in consumer demand is likely to translate into difficult marketing conditions for Chilean exporters.
“It’s highly probable that the European market will be less favourable for kiwifruit this season and that some volumes may be re-directed to the US, Latin America and Asia,” Mr Alcaíno explained.
The 2009 Chilean kiwifruit export season may start later than last year. Harvesting is expected to begin during week 11.
In 2008, Chile shipped 110,870 tonnes of kiwifruit to Europe, according to Fedefruta data, as well as 16,917 tonnes to the US, 2,570 tonnes to Canada and 8,519 tonnes to Asia, among other markets.
