With a 19.7% growth in export volumes and an increase of 59% in the tonnage to Asia, Chilean cherry exports concluded for 2012.
The 2012 cherry season finished up 19.7% going from last season's 57,923 tons to 69,335 tons this season. It also came with important changes in destinations. Now with greater focus on the Far East, with special emphasis on China, which grew by 59%. The United States and Canada had a significant fall of -24 and -75% respectively, compared to 2011 in volumes shipped. This making Chile the largest producer and exporter of cherries in the southern hemisphere, it is establishing itself as a relevant player for this fruit in international markets.
Some of the reasons behind the results, besides a commercial focus for niche markets, the is entry into full production of the plantations made in the last decade, and good weather conditions in the past two years.
"The last two years have been particularly beneficial in terms of spring frosts, which allowed us to observe the potential that Chile's current cherry has," said Isabel Quiroz, of IQonsulting.
And the attractiveness of the market made up for the exchange rate problems.
"The impact of the dollar is the same as in any species for export. Revenues are in dollars and most of the costs in pesos. Therefore to face a devalued dollar, means less income for exporters and producers. However, the attractive cherry market can cope with lower revenues, due to the exchange rate," recalls Isabel Quiroz.
Of the total national exports, the Asian market represented 62% (versus 46% previously). The United States, meanwhile, dropped its share from 35% to 22%. Despite the crisis that has been living Europe, its fall as a market was 10% to 8%. Although Latin America this season had a slight growth -1%- we should not
stop paying attention to the area.
According to Asoex and the analysis made by IQonsuting, the variety with the highest volume of exports was the Bing, which rose from 48,704 tons to 51,779 tons, which represented an increase of 378%.
Source: Revista de Campo