Chile prepares for a positive fruit campaign in the US

Southern Hemisphere countries, including Chile, are preparing for the summer fruit season, with an emphasis on cherries and blueberries. Chile is the world's leading cherry exporter, with the United States being its second-largest market, and expects a record export season this year with a 50% increase in volumes. Blueberry crops are also expected to be strong, with a forecast of 135,501 tons, a 3.2% increase from the previous season. Meanwhile, table grape exports are anticipated to grow for the second consecutive season, with new varieties accounting for 65% of exports. Despite a reduction in table grape production over the past 15 years, production has stabilized and is expected to lead to better income for producers.

Growers and exporters in the Southern Hemisphere are gearing up for the summer fruit season. Cherries and blueberries open the season, followed by plums, nectarines, peaches and grapes, The Packer reported. According to Karen Brux, marketing representative for Frutas de Chile for the North American market, “Chile exported its first cherries of the season (about 380 boxes) in mid-October. Cherries account for about 27% of Chile’s fresh fruit exports, making the country the largest cherry exporter in the world.” While the majority of exported cherries will be sent to China, the United States is Chile’s second-largest market. “I don’t think any country in the Southern Hemisphere exports the variety of summer fruits available in Chile. With our counter-seasonal supply, we allow consumers to enjoy their favorite summer fruits in the winter,” Brux explained. Juan Gonzalez Pita, chief operating officer of Salix Fruits, a Philadelphia-based importer and exporter of fresh fruit, said what ...