Chilean cherry exports are forecast to rise by 11 per cent to 78,000 tonnes during 2012/13, according to the latest estimates released by Chile-based analyst iQonsulting.
The forecast represents another increase against the 71,000 tonnes shipped during the 2011/12 campaign, which, in turn, marked a 23 per cent growth compared with the year-earlier period, iQonsulting’s managing director Isabel Quiróz told Americafruit, Asiafruit and Eurofruit.
iQonsulting expects exports to Asia will grow again this season, supported by the later timing of the Chinese New Year holiday which will give suppliers more time to programme their shipments.
With sendings to Asia continuing to rise, the agency said the North American market can therefore expect to receive a stable volume of cherries from Chile.
Europe, meanwhile, will see a decrease in arrivals, according to iQonsulting, due largely to the economic downturn in the region.
Chile is the leading cherry exporter in the Southern Hemisphere, according to iQonsulting data, representing 91 per cent of the total cherry exports from the region.
Asia continues to be the most important export market for Chilean cherries by far, followed in second place by North America, while Europe and Latin America represent the other two main destinations.
The full report will be published in the November/December issue of Eurofruit Magazine.
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