Exports of Chilean cherries are forecast to rise by 9 per cent in 2011/12 to 63,138 tonnes or 12.6m cartons, according to preliminary information compiled by Decofrut.
The export market panorama, meanwhile, is likely to remain similar to the trend registered during the last few years, according to the Chile-based analyst.
“Asia will remain the leading destination, followed by the US and then Europe,” Decofrut told Fruitnet.com.
With Chinese New Year being held on 23 January (week 4) – 11 days earlier than last year – Decofrut suggested that the weekly distribution of shipments is likely to change this season.
The analyst expects Chilean cherry exports to Asia (mainly by air and sea-air) to increase at the beginning of the season, at the expense of the US market, after which the situation is set to reverse.
“What actually happens during the season will certainly depend, to a large extent, on the quality and condition of the fruit being shipped – a key factor for entering the Asian markets, which are highly profitable, but very demanding,” Decofrut explained.
The anticipated growth in Chilean cherry volume is possibly a result of an expansion in planted area, as well as the increase in productive orchards, according to the organisation.
“Although the winter and spring seasons have been positive for the yielding of abundant fruit, some frosts during the winter affected the production of early season varieties in warm areas to some extent,” Decofrut noted.
Despite the frosts, Decofrut said the impact on Chile’s total exports is not expected to be “so dramatic”.
However, with this season’s crop volume not yet fully established, the analyst explained that estimates could vary further as the campaign progresses, particularly due to the chance of a spring frost or rainfall which could reduce overall export volume.
