First Chilean navels on route to US
While volume shipped year to date is somewhat lower than same time last year, weekly shipment volumes are expected to increase quickly over the coming weeks, as new orchards are being harvested and mild weather is presenting ideal conditions for picking. The Chilean Citrus Committee anticipates eight percent growth in global export volumes this year, with over 90% of volume destined for the U.S. market.
Fukumoto is the main early Navel orange currently being picked in the central zone of the country. Harvesting of this variety will continue through the end of June, when growers will start harvesting other varieties, such as Cara Cara’s.
As Juan Enrique Ortuzar, chairman of the Chilean Citrus Committee, explains, “This year we expect a smooth supply of Navels from the early part of the season, to be present in the market from late June through early November. Mild climatic conditions have been positive for both eating quality and harvesting conditions, and we look forward to providing the U.S. with the high quality navels they have come to expect from Chile.”
The citrus committee is supported by a team of U.S.-based merchandisers who are working with retailers across the U.S. on tailored promotional support. States Karen Brux, North America Managing Director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, “We’re committed to providing retailers with the support they need, so while this could be a Facebook contest for one retailer, it might be a merchandising contest for another chain and partner demos with yet another. We do whatever is most effective in supporting retailers and encouraging their customers to buy Chilean citrus throughout our season.”
Brux noted that the partnership between Chilean Navels and Tajin would continue, with promotions planned to target the Hispanic market. The Chilean Citrus Committee will also be exhibiting at numerous industry tradeshows, including the Southern California Fresh Produce and Floral Expo, PMA Foodservice Conference + Expo, Midwest Produce Expo and New England Produce Council Expo.
Chilean navels will be available in the U.S. market through early November.
Please visit www.fruitsfromchile.com for more information.