The Chilean cherry harvest got off to an early start last year, more than week earlier than the previous year.
Jon Clark Managing Director at FGA Farming, the UK/European arm of Chilean producer Gesex and San Clemente, “It has been a very early season, 7+ days ahead of last year. Harvest is finishing a lot earlier as a result of the early start and the continued hot weather during harvest. Some orchards finished two weeks ahead of last year.”
“Volumes are up as a result of good yields, but mainly as a result of new orchards coming in to production. The excellent weather has delivered above normal sugar levels but has stopped the fruit reaching it maximum size.”
The main markets for the Chilean cherries are China with 90%, the US 6% and other Asian markets 2%, only 1% goes to the European markets.
According to Jon, the early Chinese New Year has been a good thing, “With an early crop and large volume it has been a blessing that CNY is early – they have taken a huge volume.”
For more information:
Jon Clark
FGA Farming
Tel: +44 1354 699420
Email: [email protected]