Chilean exporters’ association Asoex is warning that rainfall last week has affected important grape growing areas right at the peak of the harvest.
Rain fell in region VIII and the Metropolitan region around Santiago and has caused minor disruption to loading at the ports of Valparaíso and San Antonio. However, Asoex reports that some containers, already sealed have embarked without problems.
Growers are using post-harvest treatments to prevent further damage to fruit and ensure that it holds up on the sea voyage, and is of sufficient quality to meet supermarket programmes.
As yet, there has been no indication as to the extent of the damage. Beforehand, the industry was expecting a 6.6 per cent increase on last year's 810,000t crop.
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