After the slight delay in the start of this season's harvest, because producers were waiting for quality parameters for Export Committee requesting the Kiwi, the harvest of Hayward continued strength during weeks 16 and 17, beginning the peak of harvest between regions VI and VII, with an estimated breakthrough that touches 60%, according to the Kiwi Report prepared by the Committee Decofrut and Kiwi.
Regarding quality, it´s better than last season. The fruit of the second category is within normal ranges, thanks to a very good 2011 spring and to productive handling. It is expected that the peak of the harvest finishes half way or to the end of week 19, in most of the major production areas.
Through week 17, the volume that was exported reached 47,043 tons, to different markets. 88% of this, was of the Hayward variety, however, it has registered a reduction of 21% compared to the previous season. The Summer Kiwi volume was of 68% or higher than that of the previous season, and other varieties also recorded an increase.
Analyzing target markets for the Hayward variety, one can see that North America, Europe and Russia continue showing volumes below those achieved in the previous season, highlighting the large deficit of 9-50% in Europe; the main target market for Chilean kiwifruit. "The Middle East by contrast shows increases, making it the most important with about +48%."
Europe: Week 16 continued to be supplied by the Italian kiwi, which showed upward trend prices in Holland. In Spain the first sales of Chilean kiwi were recorded, with prices that were around 11 and 11.50 Euro/box for all sizes.
Russia kept the price of the previous week. During week 17, the Chilean kiwi that has arrived in Europe has been stored waiting for better economic conditions, while in Italy, those of the 20 series were quoted at around 13 Euro/box.
U.S.: Week 16 showed no major changes, on both coasts, having very good referrals on the good quality of the Chilean kiwi. Week 17 moved very well and slight decreases in price, which averaged USD 14.25/box CE and USD14.29/box CO, both 11% higher than in 2011.
Latin America: Week 16, the first Chilean kiwis that arrived in Mexico showed good movement and prices similar to the California ones: U2$1.13/kilo (Series 20) and U2$1.85/kilo (Series 30), a situation that persisted the following week. In Brazil (week 16) did not show great variations in price, a situation which did decrease slightly in the next week trading at USD1.90/kilo. In Argentina, always during week 16, Chilean kiwis had an upward trend, trading at USD 3.02/kilo. The following week, the price dropped (USD 2.10/kilo), due to the entry of lower-quality kiwifruit.
Far East: Week 16 was dominated by Italian kiwis. Korea showed higher levels of Chilean kiwifruit, although the dominance continued being for local kiwi. During week 17, the demand for Chilean kiwifruit in China continued as normal, while South Korea and Taiwan continued to be supplied by the Italian and local kiwis.
Source: RedAgricola