Harvest situation in the Southern Hemisphere, week  43

Cherries

The cherry harvest in Chile started in week 42 with limited volumes, and the first exports were sent in that week as well. In week 43 the harvest of Early Burlat started in several areas close to Santiago, and for the next week, it is expected to continue with Brooks and Royal Dawn.

Rains in Region V and farther south and strong winds near Santiago that caused the loss of plastic covers this week have caused some worry. Given the ripeness of the early cherries, the damage could be significant.

As of Oct. 29, there was a risk of frost in production zones, and the situation is still being evaluated. Considering that the percentage of early varities shipped from Chile is minor, a big reduction in the expected shipments of 53,600 tons is not expected.

In Mendoza, Argentina, the situation has not changed since the last report. Although there was hail in week 42, it was localized and the decrease should not be relevant to the total for the season. The export estimates that indicated a recuperation in volume compared with last year remain. Harvest of the early varieties is expected to start Nov. 15, which is about 10 days later than last year.

Table grapes

The harvest of white seedless grapes in Brazil is practically finished, while the harvests in Chile and South Africa have not yet started. It is estimated that they will start in week 45 with Prime in South Africa and in week 46 with Perlette in Chile.

In Peru the harvest continues, mainly of Red Globe. Despite tropical rains in Piura at the beginning of week 43, no serious damage is expected. As of this week, Peruvian exports total around 1,000 tons.

South Africa and Chile also suffered several weather events, hail and rain, respectively. Neither caused damage to the harvest, and in both cases, the export estimates remain.

In San Juan, Argentina, the season continues with good development from a production point of view, with a cold spring as in Chile, which is causing a delay in growth without lowering the estimate of export volume.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com/www.iqonsulting.cl