The northern Chilean port of Coquibmo recorded a 53% year-on-year rise in table grape shipments in December, according to statistics released by the country's Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG).

SAG Coquimbo regional director Diego Lastarria says there are still exports of the crop to be made in February and March before a final figure can be given, but it is estimated around 11 million cartonss will be shipped from the port.

The SAG highlights that 495 phytosanitary certificates were issued during the 2011 season, with the export of more than two million cartons of grapes on 11 ships.

While exports rose in December, the port registered a 16% year-on-year fall in January.

The service says 1,368 certifications were made in January with more than six million cartons of grapes in 29 ships.

It is important to note that Coquimbo's grape exports do not only come from the nearby zone, but also from the regions of Atacama, Valparaiso, Metropolitana and O'Higgins.

Photo: Diario Pyme

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