The Chilean Crimson grape season is coming to a premature end, with volumes to date down some 20 per cent on 2008.
However, Capespan Gold Crimson Seedless has been packed and the second arrival is already being sourced and distributed to Premier Fruit New Covent Garden and Barton & Redman in Manchester.
The Capespan Gold fruit has been procured from El Maitenal and has deliberately been selected for its large berry size, with an average 22mm diameter and brix level of 20 per cent. Demand is high, reports Capespan.
Overall Chilean Crimson arrivals into Europe are down from 4.6 million cartons in the corresponding period in 2008 to 3.5m cartons, while UK figures are down to 3.1m kilos from 3.4m last year.
Steve Belsey, Capespan procurement manager for grapes, told freshinfo that Crimson may be short at the end of May before the Egyptian season delivers significant volumes in June.
He said: “This has been a tough end to the season in Chile, where they have suffered a lot with shatter and fruit falling off the trees, not in a state to pack. The Chileans have been very sensible in not packing it.”
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