A couple of weeks after the end of the clementine campaign in Chile, the picture on the results for this campaign are very encouraging. The rainfall recorded earlier this year has led to a significant increase in the production. Nicolás Prohens, of the company Rafael Prohens SA, gives us the balance of this season. "After years of drought, we've again been able to irrigate the crops regularly and have achieved very good yields. According to the information that most of the producers have access to, we estimate that the harvest could grow significantly."
The continuous rainfall has resulted in exports this year growing by an estimated 22%. "This unexpected increase in the harvest has caused some confusion in the sector. Currently, we are shipping mainly to the US, as that market continues to provide more stable returns, in addition to shorter transit times, which has a positive impact on the quality of the fruit. Despite all these factors, prices have suffered a depreciation compared to previous years. This year, we are receiving $ 38 per box of 16 kilos, whereas before we were paid $ 40," affirms Prohens.
"Our concern now is that with the increase in volume and prices falling we'll need to enter new markets. Even though, worldwide, the demand is much greater than the production, we feel the need to revisit markets where exports used to go before the opening of the US market. At the same time, we, as a company with many years of experience, continue implementing our processes and receive on-going training. These are essential requirements to remain competitive in the market," concludes the spokesperson.
For more information:
Nicolás Prohens
Rafael Prohens SA
T: +56983407197