Better pricing in overseas markets has offset the decline in the volume of fruit exported from Chile during the 2009/10 season, according to a report by Chilean newspaper El Mercurio.
Between September 2009 and August 2010, Chile exported nearly US$3bn-worth of fruit, according to preliminary data, representing a 5 per cent increase in returns, up from US$2.86bn in 2008/09.
According to Chilean market analyst, Decofrut, table grapes have sold on the US East Coast for an average price of US$23 per carton, compared with US$16.7 last season.
The prices achieved for Gala apples in Europe have also risen by 13 per cent, Decofrut said, reaching an average price of US$17.
The total volume of shipments in 2009/10 remained virtually stable, meanwhile, falling by 0.6 per cent to 2.3m tonnes, according to the National Agriculture Society (SNA).
Of that total, seven of the 11 major fruit export items recorded export declines, while avocado sendings bucked the trend, soaring by 156.6 per cent to 200,000 tonnes following two low production years.
Excluding avocado exports, Chilean fruit exports fell by 5.9 per cent this season, SNA said.
“This is due to climatic factors, and also the damage caused by the earthquake, in addition to a late harvest (of about two to three weeks) for table grapes, apples and kiwifruit,” Ronald Bown, president of the Chilean Exporters Association (Asoex) told El Mercurio.
Meanwhile, a recent frost caused by an unseasonal polar front may cut Chilean avocado shipments by 30 per cent this coming season, according to Fedefruta president Antonio Walker.
The citrus crop may also have been affected by the low temperatures, although Mr Bown suggested the damage is likely to be minor since 75 per cent of production has already been harvested.
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