Despite a slight fall in fruit exports the new president of Fedefruta estimates that shipments will increase to Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe.
The new president of the Federation of Fruit Producers of Chile (Fedefruta) reported that in the current fruit season, "exports for the first week of May, show a decline of 3% compared with the same period of last year, a figure that could be reflected at the end of the season."
As he explained, that this has been influenced mainly by falling shipments of apples (24%), kiwi (10%), nectarines (9%) and table grapes (4%).
The union leader attributed these losses to "climatic factors that influenced a restriction on the availability of water, affecting the colour and sizes of the fruit," he said. He also pointed out that in the beginning of the season, the producers in the north were the most affected, which led to a significant decrease in prices. However, he stated that production was restored, and that "we expect a good season."
As for values and markets, Allendes indicated that "prices remain at a good level and we are optimistic about our exports, which largely extend to Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe. In Western Europe and the U.S., demand is stable and does not show further growth."
On the other hand, the new president of Fedefruta raised concerns in the industry. "The problem is today's costs," he explained that much of this situation (between 60% and 70%) was attributable to labour. He then indicated that "it would be very important for us to be able to increase the share of foreign workers."
Cristian Allendes Marin, who succeeds Antonio Walker, has been the director of Fedefruta for 10 years, and also has been president of ChileGAP. He is also one of the main partners of the Agricultural Society La Hornilla and consultant for the National Society of Agriculture. The rest of the new directory for the year 2012-2013 is made up by: Juan Brown Bauza, Jorge Valenzuela, Francisco Donoso, Mary Ines Figari, Domingo Romero, Ramon Achurra, Antonio Walker and Andres Santa Cruz.
Source: Estrategia