Giumarra expects Chilean import volumes of grapes and stone fruit to increase in mid- to late December
Giumarra expects Chilean import volumes of grapes and stone fruit to increase in mid- to late December
The start of the Chilean fruit season has become a near ritual in the overall produce industry, and as such, everyone who has any part in the program is happy to see it kicking off. Included in the lot is the Giumarra Cos., headquartered in Los Angeles.
In late November, Tom (TW) Wilson, grape sales manager for Giumarra Cos., said grapes from Chile are expected to arrive in December or early January, and continue through May.
Giumarra Cos.’ main grape varieties from Chile are Flame (red seedless) and Thompson (green seedless).“Stone fruits — peaches, plums and nectarines — will be available from November through March,” said Wilson. “Apricots will be available during December and through January. Cherries will be offered from November to January and Chilean persimmons will be available from April through July.”
The Giumarra Cos.’ Nature’s Partner branded blueberries from Chile started shipping in October for its export customers. Wilson noted that the U.S. market will receive blueberries from Chile in the coming weeks.
“The import season is just starting, and volumes are still relatively small,” he said. “California still has grapes and will likely have them until mid-December or later. California stone fruit is finished, but we are seeing a few California persimmons in the market.
“Across the industry, we expect to see Chilean import volumes for grapes and stone fruit increase in mid to late-December,” he added.
Wilson also explained that as of late November, some areas of Chile were experiencing delays due to weather-related factors, but other areas are on schedule for production.
“For Chilean blueberries, the weather has generally been cold throughout the season,” said Wilson. “As such, the start of the peak of the season has been delayed.”
In North America, Giumarra Cos. supplies predominantly the United States and Canada, in regions west of the Mississippi River.
It also offers Chilean fruit to its Mexican customers. These shipments arrive in Mexico direct from Chile through Giumarra Cos.’ sales partnership with G y S Marketing in Hermosillo.
“Fruits from Chile arrive into North America by air and ocean vessel, depending on the product and time of the season,” Wilson explained. “Our customers in North America are retailers, wholesalers, distributors and foodservice operators.”
