Chile: Lower calibres and 60 to 70% decrease in kiwi volumes

Chilexpofrut was one of the companies affected by the frost, which affected the kiwi during its budding stage, last September. According to Daniel Lopez Rivas, from Chilexpofrut, "there is not much volume and it's hard to estimate what's in the fields, although our losses will be similar to those recorded at national level, which are between 60 and 70%. The fruit will also be of a smaller size."

There is still no data regarding prices. However, given the scale of the disaster, expectations are they will be very high. Unfortunately, this won't make up for the losses. Chilexpofrut's export programs, which primarily target the markets of Canada, the UK, the Middle East and China, will have to be carried out in two weeks, when the harvest starts. "We may not be able to do business with the clients to which we usually dispatch between 10 and 15 containers due to the lack of volume, " says Daniel.

The cherry season, which took place between October and December, recorded minor losses. The initial forecast of 150,000 cases, was eventually reduced to 70,000. In turn, the grape season, which is still ongoing, proceeds quite normally. There has been some reduction in production volumes but the quality has not suffered. The fruit has reached its destinations in good conditions and customer references are positive.

The price of white grapes, whose main target is the United States, has remained stable. The Red Globe variety has had average prices with a declining trend due to the direct competition from countries like Peru and South Africa

The Granny Smith, Royal Gala, Red Delicious, Fuji and Cripps Pink apples, which are grown throughout the year, were largely unaffected by the frost. They had losses of less than 10%, so the impact on business dealings or price levels is unnoticeable.

Chilexpofrut owns 30 hectares for the production of kiwi, grape, apple and cherry. The company also works with associated producers. They are certified by Global G.A.P. and HACCP and market their products under two brands: Natura and Fiesta.

Regarding the global market, Asia, particularly China, has become one of Chile's largest trading partners of fresh fruit. For example, Chilexpofrut sent 80% of their cherries to China last year, a trend that continues to increase every year. It is a market with great potential for consumption and the ability to continue growing and snatching business from Europe.