To make matters worse, table grape production regions Atacama (Copiapo) Coquimbo and valparaiso, are experiencing droughts for the second year in a row. These regions represent approximately 52 percent of the total planted area in Chile which means this will have a negative affect on table grape production as well.
Table grape:
Although it is still too early to predict the total output for the coming 2014 apple production, it is also expected to be smaller than this year's harvest. Producers have been diversifying by planting more productive varieties, along with increasing orchard density, so as long as there are normal weather conditions, output should continue to grow. Demand for Chilean apples is strong, with the US, once again, being the largest export market for the apples.
Apple production:
It is a bit of the same situation when it comes to the 2014 season prediction for pear production. It is a bit too early to predict, but it is also expected that pear production will be negatively affected by the September frosts.
Most of the pears coming out of Chile are consumed fresh, with 50% being exported to the European market.
Pear production:
