Chilean grape shipments under way
Chilean grape shipments under way
Harvesting in Chile's Copiapó Valley has begun, and the first grapes of the Chilean season are on their way to the North American market. With favorable climatic conditions throughout the past year, the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association anticipates that export volumes from Copiapó will grow from 10 million boxes to more than 11 million boxes. North America is the largest export market, receiving roughly 70 percent of all Copiapó grapes.
The main early varieties are Perlette, Thompson, Flame and Superior, but the Copiapó growers, along with the rest of the Chilean grape industry, are working diligently to introduce new varieties. In Copiapó, such new varieties include Prime, Allison, Arra 15, Timco and Ralli.
"I recently spoke on North America market trends at a seminar hosted by the Producer and Exporters Association of Copiapó," Karen Brux, managing director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, said in a press release. "Growers clearly have a strong focus on North America, and a commitment to meeting the market's needs. With positive reports on this year's crop, we're looking forward to a strong start to the season."
The CFFA supports grape promotions throughout the season and has recently hired a new merchandiser in eastern Canada to further expand the marketing of fresh fruit from Chile.
Chilean grapes represent over 40 percent of total Chilean fresh fruit export volumes to the United States. Over 300,000 tons were shipped to the United States last year.