Cherry exports from Chile and Argentina are anticipated to increase by 60 per cent and 30 per cent respectively in 2010/11, according to preliminary forecasts from Chile-based analyst iQonsulting and reported by Portal Frutícola.
Chilean sendings are tipped to reach around 53,000 tonnes, with Argentinean volume approaching 2,600 tonnes.
“In both cases, export potential is greater than last year when both countries’ production was greatly affected by weather conditions,” iQonsulting said.
In contrast to last season, iQonsulting explained that cherry orchards in the Argentinean regions of Mendoza, Neuquén and Los Antiguos have flowered well, which is similar to production development in Chile’s V Region southwards.
Despite the risk of late frosts and rainfall in Chile, iQonsulting said weather conditions in the country have so far been favourable for production this season, excluding the frosts on 1-2 October which did not had much of an impact.
Market-wise, iQonsulting explained that demand is there and export destinations are well diversified, which bodes well for this season.
Indeed, Asia became Chile's biggest export market last season, according to iQonsulting, after absorbing 42 per cent of exports, surpassing the volume sent to Chile’s traditionally most important market – the US.
The analyst said this is a positive development considering the “worrying economic situation” in the US and Europe.
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