Chile: Lower volumes of late mandarins, but better results

The late mandarin season recently came to a close in Chile, and Cristian Silva, of the company Cherry Traders, says that production volumes of the W. Murcott variety have been lower this year, but the results have been good.

In recent years, the company has specialised in citrus, with particular success in the mandarin market. Cristian states that "the W. Murcott is mostly shipped to the United States, where there is currently almost no competition during the months of September and October. The fruit is also exported to Europe, although the window is shorter."

According to Cristian, "when it comes to lemons, Chile has registered a significant growth this season, although oranges have dropped by 15% and mandarins by another 20% due to the effects of frost in September last year."

In any case, Cristian affirms that these volumes will be recovered. "Right now, the only problem is the drought affecting parts of the north; producers therefore prefer to use water with more profitable varieties, like lemons and mandarins."

Although focused on citrus, Cherry Traders also works with other fruits. "In November we will start with the cherry campaign and in December with plums, peaches and nectarines; the pome fruit (pear, apple) season will begin in late January and in March we'll start harvesting grapes," states Cristian.