Chile’s peach and nectarine production to recuperate
Although it is still early to accurately forecast for MY2014/15, output of peaches and nectarines are expected to rebound to close to normal levels.
Total planted area of peaches and nectarines continues to decrease when compared with previous years, but total production does not show a corresponding reduction as many growers update their older orchards with new, more productive varieties. A large percentage of the total peach and nectarine production is consumed as fresh fruit (40 percent).
Trade:
Close to 50% of Chile’s total peach and nectarine exports are bound for the United States.
Latin America is the second largest export market with a 23%of total exports, followed by deliveries to Europe with roughly 15%. The relatively short shelf life of peaches and nectarines is the major factor influencing the search for nearby markets. Over 95% of peaches and nectarines are exported from December through April, with 66% of the total yearly volume being delivered during the months of January and February.
Cherries:
The cherry production area continues to expand significantly every year. Industry sources have indicated that during the last few years between 1,500 to 2,500 hectares yearly have been planted, totalling almost 20,000 hectares today. Close to 40 percent of the total planted area is still not in production or is in the incremental stage of production. As a result, cherry production is expected to increase significantly during the next few years if we have favourable weather conditions.
The main varieties planted are Bing, Sweet Heart and Santina which together represent over 88 percent of the total cherries exported. Among the main newly planted varieties are Lapins, Van, Stella and Summit. A total of over 70 varieties are planted in Chile.
As a result a heavy spring frost, which reduced all stonefruit production, including cherries, total cherry production in MY2013/2014 fell significantly when compared with previous estimates. A rather large production expansion is forecast for MY2014/2015 because newly planted areas are coming into production and the weather is expected to be more favourable.
Trade:
As for other stonefruit, the United States is one of Chile’s most important fresh cherry export markets. In 2011, China became Chile’s most important export market for fresh cherries. Although cherries are exported from early November through February, over 90% are exported during the months of December and January.