The Chilean pomegranate harvest is about to begin with growers in the north of the country expecting to start harvesting in mid-March, followed two weeks later by the southern production areas.
The industry is anticipating high colour and normal brix levels for the Wonderful variety– the principal pomegranate variety exported from Chile, according to a press release from the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA).
CFFA said sizes are set to peak on counts 24-36 and exporters expect to be able to supply both the fresh market and the fresh-cut/processing industry (with arils) through the month of June.
Chile encountered “widespread demand” in the US during 2010, according to CFFA, following the signing of an import protocol to towards the end of last season.
Pomegranate production in the US, meanwhile, is expected to begin with the Early Foothill variety available from the southern San Joaquin Valley in early August.
South American pomegranate grower-exporters see potential to supply both the North American and European markets.
