"Our first estimate of the season is that we'll export around 444,000 tons of citrus, 11% more than last season," announced Monserrat Valenzuela, executive director of Frutas de Chile's Citrus Fruit Committee. "Mandarins, clementines, and lemons are driving this increase with a 32%, 25%, and 6% growth, respectively. We had enough cold in winter and abundant rainfall. The spring weather allowed for very good fruit set, but there could be adjustments later on if there are adverse weather conditions. Orange shipments will fall by 18%, due to a decrease in the volume of shipments of Fukumoto oranges," she stated.
The committee will also promote lemons in Japan and clementines, mandarins, lemons, and oranges in the United States. "The promotional campaigns for the United States will be aimed at the retail sector and consumers. We'll have creative promotions at the point of sale and use social networks very strongly," she said.
"The promotion plan for Japan includes a workshop, which will be held in the Chilean pavilion at the Osaka Expo. Lemon importers and distributors in Japan, as well as specialized media, will be invited to the event," she added.
Source: frutasdechile.cl