Argentina: 10% increase of Mendoza peach

Peach production in the Mendoza district in Argentina is doing well. The Instituto de Desarrollo Rural announced a 10% increase in production is to be expected. In 2011 156 million kilos was harvested, this year that number is 166 million. Part of the success is due to an increase of acreage (+400 ha.).

The only downside, according to Francisco Gómez of IDR, was the yield per hectare: 22 tons as opposed to last year’s 24 tons. Gómez blamed the weather: “We have had some heavy hailstorms in Valle de Uco.”

The Argentinian peach has been facing some difficulties recently: an inflated exchange rate, high wages and stiff competition from a market increasingly favouring the Chilean peach. Local minister Marcelo Barg suggested marketing a canned peach in order to beat competing countries. “Negotiations with Brazil and Argentina are already underway,” he stated.

Prices are still to be set. "The price per kilo depends on a number of factors, such as the international prices, production and industrial costs, and profit margin. This calculation is made at this time. It will certainly be more than the $ 1.40 per pound of last year,” confirmed the officer of Agriculture, Cristian Correa.

Source: Losandes.com.ar