The first new-season shipment of Chilean clementines is heading for the US, according to the Chilean Citrus Committee (CCC), which anticipates strong demand from North American consumers.
Exports began in week 17, with the departure of a shipment of around 170 tonnes from Valparaiso bound for the Ports of Philadelphia, and Long Beach. The Committee has said it expected the consignment to arrive in the US in mid-May.
The fruit comes from the Coquimbo region, where the ongoing drought has affected the availability of early varieties. Consequently, volumes will be down on last year, although output will start to rise from week 19 when more fields are harvested the Committee said.
“We’ve spent a lot of time in the fields overseeing the harvest this year. The colour is starting to break out now and we see that the quality of the crop is excellent,” said CCC president Juan Enrique Ortuzar. “We hope to provide the US market high quality citrus, which is what Chile has become known for.”
Chile’s clementine harvest begins in late April and runs through to September when the last Murcotts are harvested. Between 2010 and 2014 production increased by 50 per cent, with more than half of total output destined for the US.
The US is also a key market for Chilean-grown lemons and Navels, according to Karen Brux, director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association for North America. “We continue to work with our team of merchandisers to provide strong marketing support in the retail, throughout the season,” she said, noting that social marketing and joint promotions with retailers will be an integral part of this year’s campaign.
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