Fresh fruit exports from Chile are projected to increase further during the 2010/11 season, according to a press release from the Chilean Fresh Fruit Exporters Association (Asoex).
“The Chilean fresh fruit industry should maintain a steady growth throughout coming seasons,” explained Asoex president Ronald Bown.
Blueberries
Chilean blueberry exports have continued to pick up speed this season, with total exports surpassing initial estimates, eventually rising by 40 per cent against 2009/10.
Cherries
Cherry sendings exploded this year, with volume up 71 per cent to more than 57,000 tonnes, compared with the previous season, according to Asoex.
Table grapes
Shipments of table grapes are expected to be 5 per cent higher than last year. The Crimson and Red Globe varieties, along with Autumn Royal, have shown the highest harvesting activity in late March.
Stonefruit
Nectarine and plum volume from Chile could increase by 10 per cent to 20 per cent this season, while peaches are set to grow by around 5 per cent.
According to SimFRUIT, exports of nectarines were already up by 17 per cent in February/March.
Production of peaches, plums, nectarines and apricots fell during the 2009/10 season because of weather-related issues.
Kiwifruit
Exports of Summerkiwi – the super sweet kiwifruit variety – are expected to jump 40 per cent this season, according to estimates from the Chilean Kiwifruit Committee.
The main target markets for the variety will be North America and Asia.
In terms of Hayward kiwifruit volume, the Committee predicts nearly 185,000 tonnes for the 2010/11 season, which represents a small variation from the 2009/10 season.
Apples
Chile’s apple exports are expected to increase by 2 per cent in 2010/11 to approximately 858,000 tonnes predicted, according to SimFRUIT.
Red-skinned apple varieties like Royal Gala, Braeburn and Fuji are exported through October and the North American market tends to account for 14-16 per cent of total shipments.
Pears
Pears are powering up for a strong season in 2010/11, with exports expected to jump 4 per cent from last year to almost 119,000 tonnes, reports SimFRUIT.
This year, consumers can also expect to see new varieties like Forelle and Abate Fetel, in addition to the traditional favourites – Coscia, Summer Bartlett and Packham’s Triumph.
Citrus
More Chilean citrus will soon be stocked on supermarkets shelves, with the lemon and clementine harvests beginning in May, followed by oranges in July.
The Chilean Citrus Committee is estimating a normal crop with slight increases for some varieties, despite the drought that some growing areas have experienced this season.
