Frutas de Chile's Grape Committee's second estimate for the 2024-25 season maintains the export projection at 66 million boxes, with a notable increase in the importance of the new grape varieties, expected to account for 67% of the total exports, i.e. 2% more than initially estimated. This revision is 0.1% lower than the first projection in October, but suggests shipments will increase by 2.2% growth over the previous season, totaling more than 65.9 million boxes.
Ignacio Caballero, executive director of the Grape Committee, noted that this adjustment reflects the industry's commitment to varietal replacement, focusing on varieties that meet the preferences of international consumers, especially in the United States, the main destination market. Exports of new varieties are expected to reach more than 43.9 million boxes, i.e. 10% more than in the previous season. In contrast, traditional varieties are expected to experience a 10% decrease, totaling more than 21.9 million boxes.
Exports will be dominated by new white and red varieties, with 21.1 and 18.6 million boxes respectively, marking the first time that there will be a higher quantity of white grapes over red grapes. New black varieties are expected to reach 4.1 million boxes, including Candy Hearts, Jack Salute, and Aliison in reds; Sweet Globe, Autumn Crisp, and Arra 15 in greens; and Sable Seedless, Sweet Favors, and Sweet Sapphire in blacks.
At the regional level, shipments are expected to increase from Atacama, Coquimbo, Metropolitana and Maule, with a notable 72% expansion in Maule. In contrast, exports from Valparaíso and O'Higgins are expected to fall. Exports to the North American and Latin American markets are expected to increase slightly, and exports to Asia and Europe are projected to decrease.
The Chilean Grape Committee is finalizing promotion strategies, especially in the United States and Mexico, where a pilot program is being carried out under the Systems Approach, with the aim to boosting consumption and optimizing the first shipments.
Source: simfruit.cl