Volumes are almost certain to continue increasing as up to 40% of total area under cultivation is still to start producing.
Export sales are a driving factor in the expansion of cherry cultivation. Currently the strongest market is probably the US, but as the production increases more sales to the EU, China and Japan are anticipated.
Bing, Sweetheart and Santina are the varieties chiefly exported, although new plantations are often filled with Lapins, Van, Stella and Summit. There are around 70 varieties under cultivation in then country today.
Exports are encouraged by the fact that Chile is one of the few countries in the Southern Hemisphere where off season production can take place, perfect for attracting consumers further north. To demonstrate this, Chile is responsible for just 2% of global cherry production, but accounts for 88% of total off season sales. As well as introducing more robust varieties, growers have also planted further south to extend the season.
peaches and nectarines continue to fall in volumes this year, as older low producing orchards are uprooted and not replanted. Peaches and nectarines are proving to be less attractive in the international marketplace, especially given current exchange rates.
The fall in volume is not relative to the reduced area of cultivation, however, as, when growers do replant orchards, they tend to fill them with newer, higher yielding varieties.
The season this year has not been helped by poor weather in the last few weeks. The US represents 50% of the peach and nectarine export market, other Latin American countries 23% and Europe 15%.
Source: USDA