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Chile's grape exports hit by late harvest
Chile
Sunday 17 February 2008
Late fruit harvests are leading to a reduction in Chilean grape exports.
Chilean grape producers in the country's Region III are suffering a drop in exports after experiencing one of the latest grape harvests in 20 years.
The delay in harvesting comes after the country was hit by colder than average temperatures during the spring months, according to the Santiago Times.
Fruit-picking in Copiapó, one of the main production areas for early grapes in Region III, was reportedly three to four weeks later than normal, while a labour shortage could also affect harvesting.
The cold weather, which also delayed peach and nectarine harvesting, is said to have hit shipments to the country's key export markets, including the US.
Chile's avocado sector also experienced a smaller crop due to the low spring temperatures, with production down by 31 per cent this season, El Mercurio reported. However, the reduced export volumes have led to higher prices, particularly in the US, which receives 72 per cent of the country's avocado exports. Adolfo Ochogavía, president of Chile's Avocado Committee, said this season's volumes should reach 110,000 tonnes, with financial returns likely to total between US$130m-US$140m.
Chilean grape producers in the country's Region III are suffering a drop in exports after experiencing one of the latest grape harvests in 20 years.
The delay in harvesting comes after the country was hit by colder than average temperatures during the spring months, according to the Santiago Times.
Fruit-picking in Copiapó, one of the main production areas for early grapes in Region III, was reportedly three to four weeks later than normal, while a labour shortage could also affect harvesting.
The cold weather, which also delayed peach and nectarine harvesting, is said to have hit shipments to the country's key export markets, including the US.
Chile's avocado sector also experienced a smaller crop due to the low spring temperatures, with production down by 31 per cent this season, El Mercurio reported. However, the reduced export volumes have led to higher prices, particularly in the US, which receives 72 per cent of the country's avocado exports. Adolfo Ochogavía, president of Chile's Avocado Committee, said this season's volumes should reach 110,000 tonnes, with financial returns likely to total between US$130m-US$140m.
