Chilean peach and nectarine exports hit a new record in 2017/18, climbing 11.4 per cent on last year to end the season on 98,200 tonnes.
A large part of the increase was down to a sharp rise in nectarine shipments to Asia, notably China, which gave the green light to Chilean nectarine imports in February 2017.
Asoex carried out an extensive market campaign during the course of the season to highlight the nutritional benefits of the fruit.
Nectarine exports to Asia rose 51 per cent on last season, making it the second most important market behind the US.
“During the season that has just ended, we carried out diverse and creative promotional activities in the Shanghai and Jiangnan markets of China, including tastings and exhibitions in wholesale markets and retail outlets, as well as interviews and publications in the press. local, as well as a seminar via WeChat,” said Asoex president Ronald Bown.
In all, Chile exported a total of 66,940 tonnes of nectarines in 2017/18, 8 per cent more than in the previous season.
Peach exports rose 20 per cent to 31,260 tonnes, with the US remaining the biggest market and Latin America in second place, with a share of 60 per cent and 35 per cent respectively.
