While volumes may be small compared to the national total, Chile's southernmost regions for commercial cherry production registered a 36% year-on-year increase in 2015.

The Ministry of Agriculture said the Chile Chico and Bahía Jara increased to 430 metric tons (MT) for the year, with 230MT destined for England, Radio Las Nieves reported.

This compares to just 515kg (1,135lbs) in 2007.

In conversation with www.freshfruitportal.com, consultant and cherry expert Óscar Aliaga said the figures were a result of many production projects in the area.

"Chile Chico has a micro climate that is very benign for cherries, as it doesn't rain much and there is no bacterial canker," Aliaga said, adding wind was the main problem in the area.

"The weather is also favorable in terms of heat, because there's a fresh climate that allows for a fruit harvest that is later and different to the central zone."

Ministry of Agriculture regional secretary Horacio Velásquez said governmental authorities had been helping develop the fruit industry of the General Carrera Lake Basin for more than a decade.

"Today, cherries from Chile Chico and Bahía Jara have the brand Patagonia Aysén, and we are working on getting a protected geographical indication, which gives added value and recognition for the fruit," Velásquez said, adding production would likely increase in the future both in the area and other parts of the Aysen region.

The main varieties grown are Bing, Kordia, Lapins and Sweetheart, all with dark skin and a size of around 28mm, with good flavor, firmness and texture, he said.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com