Volumes for imported Chilean stonefruit in the United States have been lower than in previous years. While Chilean shippers have opted for other markets early in the season, the slowdown along the West Coast's ports has also contributed to low volumes of fruit.“Volumes of stonefruit from Chile are not up to historical levels due to their internal market and other international markets taking more of their fruit,” said Steve Pearson of Bengard Marketing. “I think the reason for that is that other markets could be offering better prices or Chilean marketers may be trying to develop or open new markets.”
Despite lower volumes, the market has been steady due to moderate demand met with steady, if not fewer, supplies of fruit. On January 23, prices for a carton of size 40 yellow nectarines from Chile were between $14.00 and $16.00 at the Los Angeles port of entry and between $12.00 and $14.00 at the Philadelphia port of entry. A carton of size 40 yellow peaches went for between $14.00 and $16.00 at the Los Angeles port of entry and between $12.00 and $14.00 at the Philadelphia port of entry.
“Demand is a little better on nectarines, and we're almost sold out until the next vessel arrives,” said Pearson. But getting fruit from those vessels processed through the ports has been a slow process this year. The labour dispute between port operators and longshoremen has slowed the entry of goods, and it has affected the supplies of stonefruit firms like Bengard providing consumers.
“We were caught without fruit this week for some of the ads we had, and we're having to scramble to put together what we can until we can get vessels discharged,” said Pearson. “The situation has given us many headaches with regards to availability.”
For more information:
Steve Pearson
Bengard Marketing
+1 310 605 5105