Market research firm iQonsulting has predicted a decline in Chilean cherry exports of 22.5 per cent to 12.4m boxes for the 2012/13 season, due to adverse weather conditions in the country's growing regions.
In 2011, Chile exported 197 tonnes during the latter half of October, compared with a mere 15 tonnes during the same period in 2012, according to figures from the Chilean Export Association (Asoex) and Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG).
iQonsulting director Isabel Quiroz said the forecast had been reduced from a potential 10 per cent year-on-year increase in export volumes and predicted a week-long delay to the season, according to Fresh Fruit Portal.
The change was attributed to a combination of rain and hail during the flowering period, along with a lack of winter cold.
Quiroz said the revised estimate included the expected effects of rain in the south-central region on 8-9 November.
'This is 22.5 per cent less than what was originally estimated. However, this figure is aggregated at a national level and the point is that some areas are very affected, reporting losses of 100 per cent in some cases.'
One of the varieties most impacted has been Bing, which constitutes the majority of Chile's plantations.
'This situation implies the export dynamic will be less than what was observed during the last campaign in the first and second part of the season‚ the period of initial and full exports from November to mid-December,' Quiroz said.
