Kiwifruit close up

Exports of Chilean kiwifruit so far this season have fallen by 5.4 per cent to 118.536 tonnes compared with the same period last year, according to figures from SimFRUIT.

Despite the dip, Asia has recorded a 41 per cent rise in arrivals to 11,772 tonnes up to 19 June, making the nation the third-largest export market.

Europe, meanwhile, received 70,858 tonnes, or 11.01 per cent less than last season, although the region still remains the biggest export destination for the fruit.

The US ranked the second-largest market for Chilean kiwifruit with 15,843 tonnes, down 16 per cent on 2009/10.

The most exported varieties were Hayward, Summerkiwi and Jintao, SimFRUIT said.