The short Chilean fresh apricot season is producing good quality apricots for the export market, according to suppliers. Volumes are delayed from last year, but containers are imminent, with some of the fruit already having arrived by air.
"Containers of apricots from Chile are arriving next week," said Tony Supino, of Summit Produce. "There have been some arriving by air also but the main volume will come a little after Christmas. The season is fairly short, lasting for only a couple of months, with the December 7 report showing exports sitting at just over 30,000 cases. This year, the harvest was slightly delayed because of cooler weather in the growing regions. However, the chill hours have also benefited the fruit quality, with fruit arriving in excellent condition. We don't expect any further delays as growers have been seeing great weather during the harvest."
Strong demand
Suppliers are seeing strong demand for apricots, and prices have been steady. "Prices for apricots are currently sitting between $2-$4 lb, and we continue to see strong demand for the fruit as volume starts to pick up," Supino said."
He also noted that their proprietary variety has been performing well. The early season fruit has been showing a strong uptake with large retailers and specialty stores alike, and the company have already sold out of their inventory for this season.
"Aside from the main commercial varieties, such as the Dina and Castlebrite, Summit also offer the Mirandella apricot," Supino continued. "It's an early season variety and is a very good eating fruit. It has a heavy dark red/orange blush and a BRIX level of between 16-18, making it very sweet. It is our 3rd season shipping the Mirandella and we don't have a large acreage of it, but they're attracting a high demand. They've been picked up by some of the larger retailers like HEB, and they can also be found in some of the independent stores in places like San Francisco, New York and Chicago."For more information:
Tony Supino
Summit Produce
Tel: +1 (559) 369-4020