The Chilean cherry export season got off to a slow start as poor weather has bumped back shipments to the United States and Canada.“Lots of unseasonable rain in Chile affected a lot of the fruit planned for Canada,” said Bryan Key of Consolidated Fruit Packers in British Columbia. “We're not hearing anything out of Chile yet, but it makes me think that overall volumes will be affected.” If there's less fruit available from Chile, which is the main supplier of cherries to North America this time of year, then prices will likely be higher than they would be under normal circumstances.
“We've taken a pass on the first fruit available because we'll wait for quality so we don't have to deal with any issues there,” said Key. “I have not seen prices for the fruit that's available, but I think they have strengthened.” Chile also ships cherries to Europe and Asia, with the latter continent a big destination for the fruit.
For more information:
Bryan Key
Consolidated Fruit Packers
+1 250 868 1400