Harvest situation in the Southern Hemisphere, week 50 -- 2010

Avocado

The Chilean avocado season continues with a low harvest, in accordance with lower volumes estimated for export this season. Growers are very worried about the lack of water for irrigation and how that could affect production for the 2011-12 season, especially in the areas of Ovalle and the north of Region V, near Valparaíso. Prices from the internal market have remained relatively stable in the last few weeks, which conitnues the disincentive for exporting, despite the fact that the U.S. market is more promising. Nevertheless, the Chilean peso has maintained its appreciation against the U.S. dollar, with a value of about CLP 474 per $1 as of Dec. 16, 12% less than the beginning of the season in week 22.

Stone fruit

The harvest of peaches and nectarines in Chile did not suffer greatly in the rain from last weekend, because in the regions around Santiago, the rain was light. Exports from Chile have remained higher than last season, following a normal rhythm.

In South Africa, the season is progressing in all varieties. No weather problems have been seen in the Western Cape, and the quality of the fruit is optimal. Only plums are presenting smaller sizes than last year.

In Argentina, the plum harvest is lower and exports just started. For all providers in the Southern Hemisphere--especially Argentina and South Africa, whose main market is Europe--there is worry about slow sales and the cold wave in Europe. The market is not very receptive to shipments of stone fruit from South Africa.

Photo: wikipedia.org

Source: iQonsulting/www.freshfruitportal.com