The last few weeks have not been particularly easy for the cherry industry in Chile. The rains that hit different production sectors in the country in the middle of spring, resulted in a historic drop in exports to international markets and in irreversible damage for many growers.

If exports of around 100 million boxes were initially expected for the current season, that has changed. Estimates seem to indicate that there will be less than 80 million of boxes, a decrease that has not been seen for a long time in the country; the world’s leading exporter of cherries.

Added to a season that was already hampered by the lack of cold – essential for the harvest of this fruit – was the rainfall that left splits and flooding  in the Curicó area, one of the main places of local production.

According to the latest information provided by Fedefruta, the federation that represents all fruit producers in Chile, a general decrease of 50% – in some cases even 60% or 80% – in early harvests has been detected, affecting mainly the Royal Dawn and Santina varieties.

Now, as we have entered the month of December, the volume of harvests in different regions of Chile increases day by day, so the union’s call is to remain calm and prioritize the quality that distinguishes them.

As for what happens in climatic terms, although unusual upcoming rains are not expected for now, a considerable heat wave is approaching, so taking preventive measures remains one of the main recommendations.

Source: Smartcherry.cl