Chilean table grape sendings to the US have increased considerably over the last two weeks, making up for some of the early season shortfall in volume.
However, exports to Chile’s other table grape markets in Canada, Asia and Europe are reportedly continuing to see substantial volume declines against last year.
According to the latest market report from Capespan North America, the effect of the volume rebound in the US has “softened up” the price structure for table grapes on the market.
“Two weeks ago, we reported that grape loadings to the US East Coast through Week 4 were down almost 24 per cent compared with the same period last season,” said Capespan North America’s Mark Greenberg.
“Through Week 6, that shortfall has been reduced to less than 10 per cent,” he explained.
On the US West Coast, the gains have been less dramatic, Greenberg reported, with arrivals down by 25.3 per cent through Week 6, compared with the almost 31 per cent decline through Week 4.
Greenberg claims the shrinking volume gap on the US East Coast compared with Chile’s other global sources is down to exporters looking for a relatively close market given the fruit’s condition after rains fell at a particularly sensitive time for much of the Flame crop in Aconcagua.
“Since the US East Coast is quickly and easily accessible and services the largest part of the North American market with a wide range of retailers who offer numerous market opportunities, it is the destination best positioned to quickly and efficiently move this fruit,” Greenberg noted.
Greenberg was quick to point out, however, that the fruit is fine form and not distressed, only it is not suitable for holding.
The Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (Asoex) said early forecasts for this year had predicted a similar volume of table grapes to last season when 830,000 tonnes were shipped worldwide.
However, unfavourable weather conditions over the last few weeks may now result in a reduction in exports compared with 2012.
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