Plum supplies continue to be steady from Chile though other stone fruit varieties such as peaches have finished for the season.
Nectarines: Through week 10, 22,014 tons/2,446,003 cases of nectarines have been shipped to the U.S. and Canada which represents a nine percent increase over the same time last year. “This also represents 27 percent of global nectarine exports this season. China is the largest market, with 43 percent of season-to-date nectarine exports going there,” says Karen Brux, managing director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA).
Brux notes that the top five varieties of nectarines shipped through week 10 include Giant Pearl, Bright Pearl, Sweet Giant, Majestic Pearl and Tiffany. “Our biggest week of exports was in Week 4. The season is now winding down, with very minimal volumes anticipated,” she says.
Plums: To the U.S. and Canada, 17,745 tons/1,971,652 cases have shipped through week 10. “This is a 50 percent increase vs. same time last year and represents 30 percent of global exports this season,” says Brux. Like nectarines, China is the largest market with 38 percent of season-to-date plum exports, though those have decreased by 20 percent from the same time last year.
On varietals, the top five varieties shipped through week 10 include Angeleno, Larry Ann, Black Kat, Pink Delight and Candy Red. “We had the largest export week in week seven,” says Brux. “The weekly export volumes will start to decrease from this point on and wrap up in April.”
Sugar Plums: With 99 percent of sugar plums being shipped to Asia, just 114 tons have been shipped to North America this season. “Exports are basically finished for the season,” says Brux.
Peaches: Peaches began shipping in week 46 and the largest week of exports was week 5. The season has also ended for peaches with no more promotions in the market.
With these notable numbers, Brux says that stone fruit is an exciting category for Chile. “As long as Chile can offer consistency in volume and quality, I see huge potential for sales growth. The fruit just needs to be marketed and merchandised because many consumers don’t even know they can eat fresh peaches, nectarines and plums during the winter,” she says, noting retail promotions are often behind boosts in sales.
That said, there are many retailers who like to build big displays and run in-store promotions for specialty stone fruit varieties such as the lemon or K-plum given it provides them a chance to show something new and different to customers. Brux says CFFA works with retailers on creating custom point-of-sale materials and it also runs an extensive social media program that includes a newly introduced TikTok channel.
For more information:
Karen Brux
Chilean Fresh Fruit Association
Tel: (650) 218-5061
[email protected]
www.fruitsfromchile.com