Chile: New quality standards for export oranges
The certifying organisation is the Foundation for the Fruit Development that started the control work 11 June. The program runs until 30 August. Weekly visits to packaging plants in the associated companies will take place and the fruit that is being packed to these destinations will be inspected.
The companies must comply with following parameters: Solvable solids average ≥9,6 °Brix and the relation with acidity: 9,0:1.
According to Juan Enríque Ortúzar, the checks will be done on the fruit already packed. "The fruit that doesn't comply will be destined for other markets or stored until the acidity reaches the levels required."
In 2012 it's expected that citrus exports will add up to 168,000 tons, some 10% more than last year. In 2011, 39.8% of exports were oranges; 29.8% clementine and mandarine; 29.6% lemons and less than 0.8% were grapefruit.
It's estimated that Navel orange exports will register a 10% rise, regarding last season, adding up to 69,000 tons.
Source: Diariodelagro