The UK has seen a significant uplift in its Chilean volumes this year. Total exports directly to the UK are up 29 per cent on last season with plums experiencing an 85.6 per cent uplift across Europe generally and blueberries a 106 per cent rise.
But, particularly in the case of plums, this has not necessarily been good news for the UK. Despite advances in programming fruit sendings to meet requirements, this season has been marred by oversupply as some exporters hoped to take advantage of the exchange rate situation and strong sterling.
“It feels like most of those 200m cases were plums sent to the UK,” said Alan Guindi of importer and supermarket supplier Richard Hochfeld. “Some producers acted irresponsibly in the amount of plums they sent to Europe and the knock-on effect of that is that consumers are used to very low plum retail prices. Trying to persuade them to pay more in future seasons will be very difficult.”
Other stone-fruit lines have enjoyed greater success. “For example, on peaches and nectarines, the strides being made in pre-conditioned fruit are leading the way for other southern-hemisphere sources,” said Guindi. “The passion with which the Chilean industry has embraced pre-conditioning is second to none and the benefits are enjoyed directly by UK consumers who get great value for money and an excellent tasting product.”
The apple season from Chile in the UK has also progressed well and more in line with programmes. Receivers had hoped for more grape, but late-season red fruit was dogged by rain.
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