The Chilean Stone Fruit Committee has released its initial forecast for the 2025-2026 season, predicting a significant increase in export volumes. Ignacio Caballero, the Committee's executive director, said, "We estimate the country will export 40.5 million boxes (each weighing 8 kilos) of stone fruit, such as peaches, nectarines, and plums, i.e., an 11% increase from the previous season." This projection was made with input from 44 companies, which together accounted for 87% of last season's total export volume (2024-25).
Caballero highlighted that projections indicate growth across almost all stone fruit species, with plums leading the increase at +15%. For nectarines, the Committee estimates a total of 15.3 million 8-kilo boxes, up by 5%. Within this category, white nectarines account for 10.2 million boxes, reflecting a 14% increase, while yellow nectarines are expected to decline to 5.1 million boxes, a 9% decrease compared to the previous season. Japanese plums are forecast at 15.6 million 7-kilo boxes, a 3% rise, though with notable differences: red plums are expected to decrease slightly by 1% to 9.3 million boxes, while black plums could increase by 5% to 5.9 million boxes. European plums are projected to reach 6.2 million 9-kilo boxes, up 15%, and peaches are expected to total 3.4 million 8-kilo boxes, an 8% growth.
The Committee predicts that 18.1 million boxes of plums and nectarines will be shipped to Asia (-3%), while North America will receive 10.6 million (+52%). Exports to Latin America are estimated at 4.8 million boxes (-16%), and to Europe at 3.7 million boxes (-2%).
Source: frutasdechile.cl
