The president of the Association of Fruit Exporters of Chile AG (ASOEX), Ronald Bown, reported that so far in the 2017-2018 fruit export season (September 1, 2017 to February 16, 2018), Chile has exported 854,671 tons of fresh fruits abroad, i.e. 5.35% less than the volume exported in the same period last season.
Bown said that the drop in volumes could be explained by the almost three weeks early start of the harvests and shipments in the 2016-2017 period; in contrast this campaign has developed within the normal harvest and export parameters.
When this campaign is compared to previous campaigns (2014-2015 and 2015-2016), the volume exported to this date turns out to be around 10% higher.
Bown also highlighted the high volumes of fresh cherries exported. "Cherry exports have increased by more than 93%, when compared to the previous season. The marketing of this fruit isn't over yet, so this will undoubtedly be a season of record volumes," he added.
Markets and fruits
The United States is the main market with 294,572 tons and 34.4% of the exports to date. The main fruits exported to this market are table grapes (127,585 tons), blueberries (55,940 tons), mandarins (27,434 tons), and avocados (24,142 tons).
It is followed by Asia with 241,511 tons and 28.3% of all shipments. The main exports to this area are cherries (166,692 tons), plums (16,733 tons), table grapes (16,486 tons), nectarines (14,529 tons), blueberries (12,778 tons), and avocados (12,512 tons).
"The Asian market has had the highest increase in exports, almost 38%, when compared to last season. This is due to the increase in shipments of cherries, but also of blueberries by 3.2%, avocados by more than 9.6%, and nectarines, which only started entering the Chinese market in February last year, by 37.9%," Bown stated.
Latin America is the third market destination with 155,270 tons, and 18.2% of total exports. The main fruits exported to this destination are apples (82,163 tons), avocados (13,372 tons), and pears (11,486 tons).
The European market ranks fourth with 143,467 tons, and a 16.8% share. Avocados lead exports with 83,389 tons, followed by blueberries (23,494 tons), and table grapes (8,676 tons).
Meanwhile, Canada and the Middle East recorded shipments of 16,360 tons and 3,491 tons, respectively. The main fruits exported to Canada are table grapes (6,595 tons) and blueberries (3,443 tons). The main fruits exported to the Middle East are pears (1,719 tons) and apples (579 tons).
Nectarines, new opportunities in China
Nectarine exports to date stand at 46,818 tons. This fruit is exported to different markets and Asia is one of the most important ones, as China received 12,513 tons.
"We knew that the opening of the Chinese market for Chilean nectarines was key and highly anticipated by the industry, that is why we actively participate in each negotiation with the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) and the Chinese phytosanitary organism (AQSIQ). The figures are confirming this. By the same date last season we had exported 819 tons to this market, and now we have shipped more than 12,000 tons," he said.
Currently, 86.1% of the nectarines exported to Asia have been destined for the Chinese market. The main varieties exported are the Bright Pearl and the Magique, which have a white pulp, and the Venus varieties, which have a yellow pulp.
"Currently our efforts in China, regarding the entry of new products, are focused on pears. We are working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to quickly achieve the opening of this important market," said Bown.
Ports of departure
The main ports of departure for the national fruit are the ports of Valparaiso with 529,781 tons; San Antonio with 106,272 tons; The Andes with 50,096 tons, Coquimbo with 37,518 tons; Caldera with 40,555 ton; San Vicente with 22,281 tons, and Coronel with 7,881 tons.