Chile's apple juice concentrate exports soar
Chile's apple juice concentrate exports saw a year-on-year increase of 83% to 48,628 metric tons (MT)Â , according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report.
The value of exports nearly tripled year-on-year to $US88.7 million.
The study attributed the huge jump to increased demand in Japan, Mexico and Canada, although the U.S. is still the largest market accounting for 60% of all sales.
It said future growth would depend on foreign demand and Chile's ability compete in international markets against suppliers such as China.
The concentrate industry is predicting a strong demand next year and expects to increase apple purchases in the next harvesting season.
Chilean farmers are growing more sour-type apples and planting new apple varieties, mainly for juice purposes to meet growing demand.
However, apple exports worldwide increased by just 1% year-on-year to 774,056 metric tons (MT), with a value of US$576 million.
The report noted growers have been planting more productive varieties like Fuji, Gala, Jonathan, Braeburn, Pink Lady and Galaxies, instead of traditional varieties like Red Delicious.
Pear export volumes showed a 17% year-on-year increase at 132,322 MT, representing a 10% jump in value to US$114 million.
The industry is expecting a similar level of output for the coming season.
Next year's exports are expected to be of a similar volume but of a lower value due to a fall in international prices, the report warned.
Nearly 50% of all Chile's exports go to the U.S. with the E.U. as the second largest market.
Photo: Batafood.com