Kiwifruit close up

The Chilean Kiwifruit Committee predicts a slight growth in its kiwifruit exports during the 2012 season.

The committee told Fruitnet that it is expecting 195,000-200,000 tonnes of fruit, an increase of 10 per cent against 2011.

“This is mainly due to a good spring and some young orchards that are coming into production,” committee general manager Carlos Cruzat told Fruitnet.

Market-wise, the Chilean kiwifruit industry will this year continue to diversify its export destinations, according to Cruzat.

As a result, the committee expects Chilean suppliers will ship more fruit to Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

In Europe, meanwhile, the committee is anticipating a similar marketing scenario to last year with high stocks and therefore lower prices at the start of the season.