Chile exported over 68,000 tons (MT) of cherries during the 2013-14 campaign, registering a 30.6% increase over the previous season, according to data released yesterday by the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX).

Volume did fall short of the record 71,459MT shipped in the 2011-12 season. Due to frost damage, the campaign also fell short of the estimated 92,000MT that were originally forecast for the season.

Thanks to new plantations coming into full production, however, Chile was still able to achieve growth this season, despite poor climatic conditions.

Asia received a record share of Chilean cherries with 74.4% participation. The region has shown notable growth, increasing from a 23% share in the 2004-2005 season.

Conversely, North America received its lowest share of Chilean cherries at 13%. A decade ago, this market purchased around 45% of Chile's volume.

Europe registered 6.5% of shipments. Although comparatively smaller, this market grew 42.5% compared to the previous campaign.

Maritime shipments increased by 30%, reaching 87% participation in total cherry exports. Of sea shipments, 77% went to Asia, 11% to the U.S. and 5% to Europe.

A total 176 businesses participated in the cherry export campaign, up from 168. 78% of these exporters were members of the Chilean Cherry Committee.

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