Production of apples, pears and grapes from Chile are all forecast to rise in the 2008-09 crop year.

According to figures prepared by the US department of agriculture (USDA), there were ample chill units during the Chilean winter, which boosted top-fruit budding. This, coupled with large differentials between daytime and night temperatures during the spring, has benefited fruit quality. The USDA is therefore forecasting record exports of some 800,000 tonnes of apples.

Orchard diversification into more productive varieties such as Fuji, Gala, Braeburn and Pink Lady and away from Red Delicious as well as increased density of plantings in new orchards has boosted output and is set to continue to do so in the coming years. However, USDA researchers also forecast that total planted area is unlikely to change significantly as growers are simply replacing old trees and a fall in returns over the last two seasons has hit confidence as well as investment potential.

Meanwhile, pear planted area has increased slightly and favourable growing conditions are also likely to boost output. Packham’s and Beurre Bosc traditionally make up some 60 per cent of Chile’s pear exports.

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