Erratic weather and unfavorable exchange rates make export estimates difficult for Chile’s apples, table grapes and pears, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) overview of the industry.

Apple production is expected to drop slightly in 2011 compared with 2010, due to an exceptionally cold winter (June through August 2010) that brought damaging frost, said the report, dated Oct. 28. Chile exported 790,000 metric tons of apples so far in 2010.

The report noted that a stronger Chilean peso relative to the U.S. dollar, along with higher labor costs, make it unlikely that there will be more investment in apples. As a result, production is not expected to rise significantly in the near future. Growers continue the trend of replacing Red Delicious with higher yield varieties such as Braeburn and Pink Lady.

As for table grapes, the weather worked in their favor, with sufficient cold hours during winter (June to August), and the USDA expected a 6% rise in production. Thompson Seedless and Flame comprise the majority of exports, but Red Globe and Autumn Royal have increased.

Chile exported 800,000 MT of table grapes last season.

Variable weather makes it difficult to predict production for pears, according to the USDA. The cold winter provided enough cold hours, but frost will likely reduce output. Chile exported 115,056 MT of pears last season.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com