According to information provided by the Fruit Exporters Association of Chile AG, ASOEX, during the 2011-2012 season (from September 1st, 2011 to August 31st, 2012), national fresh fruit shipments to the Asian market had an increase of 10.7%, going from 344,006 tons in 2010-2011 to 380,718 tons in this campaign.
Within Asia the markets with the highest growth are China, having an increase of 22.8%, followed by South Korea with an increase of 30.3%, reaching 62,758 tons, and Japan with a 6.3% increase, reaching 32,504 tons.
"Asia is a destination that will continue to grow this year, thanks to demand in China and South Korea. Other countries will be added to the extent that FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) will thrive," points out ASOEX in their document, analyzing the season that recently concluded.
The main fruits exported to Asia
Among the most exported fruit to the Asian market (China, Korea, Japan, India, Taiwan, Indonesia and Malaysia, among others) there are table grapes with a 43% share in total shipments of Chilean fresh fruit and 10% growth in volume shipped, totalling 162,783 tons. Following grapes, are apples with 23% participation and a drop in volumes shipped of 12.5%, reaching 88,440 tons.
Cherries have 12% share of the total Chilean fruit exports to Asia and increased shipments during the 2011-2012 season of 62.7%, reaching 43,731 tons.
Kiwis have 6% share in exports and an increase of 46.1%, totalling 23,871 tons
regarding volumes achieved in the 2010-2011 season.
Plums are positioned as the fifth biggest fruit due to volume shipments to the Asian market, with a 5% representation in the total Chilean fruit exports and a growth, compared to the 2010-2011 season of 25%, standing at 18,661 tons.
With regard to major fresh fruit shipped, ASOEX states that "table grapes, cherries and kiwis presented the most significant increases. Moreover, the major apple "stocks" affected the decline of our deliveries."
China (mainland and Hong Kong)
During the 2011-2012 campaign, Chilean exports grew significantly towards the Chinese market (22.8%).
In this market, table grapes are leading the national fruit export. Table grapes have simultaneously increased 4% in the 2011-2012 period and in relation to the 2010-2011 season, going from 65,027 tons to 68,237.
To follow vines, we have cherries with a 77.8% increase, going from 21,945 tons to 39,029 tons.
Meanwhile, apples, although showing a decline compared to the previous year (-17.8%), are located in the third position in volumes shipped to the Chinese market, reaching 20,805 tons.
Finally kiwis and plums are located on the fourth and fifth position, with increases of 40.9% and 37.2%, respectively.
Source: SimFRUIT