During the last fortnight Chile exported 3,316 tons of kiwi, 69% of which was destined to Latin America, where the Brazilian and Mexican markets stand out. According to the document, exports to Europe and Asia are practically finished, although there may be some volumes headed to those market by sea.
The Committee stated that the European season was starting a bit later than usual and that the red varieties in Chile were in full harvest. "We've had good calibers of the Hayward de Iran since the end of August, but with very bad dry matter and soluble solids. China has also started harvesting its sweet red varieties," the report highlights. As of the date of the report (week 37-38-2018), exports amounted to 173,676 tons, a volume that is 2% higher than on the same date of 2017.
The main destination markets were Europe, with a 35% of the total shipments, the Far East with 20%, Latin America with 19%, North America with 15%, Russia with 7% and the Middle East with 4%. Currently, Chile has exported slightly more volumes than in 2017, which would be in line with the forecast issued by the Committee at the beginning of the season.
Even though during the last fortnight Chilean shipments decreased by almost fifty percent, the volumes reached are 32% higher than in the same period of the previous season.
There has been a 1% increase in shipments of the Hayward variety, and a 39% increase in shipments of other varieties, led by the Jintao variety, which has practically doubled its exports this season (+83%).
Market situation
In Europe, prices for Chilean Hayward kiwis packed in modified atmosphere bags tended to increase and averaged nearly €1.70 / kilo (sizes 23 to 25) and € 1.90 / kilo (sizes 27, 33 and 36), respectively. Currently the Chilean kiwi has to compete with the kiwi from Italy and Spain, which are quoted at € 1.41 / kilo and € 2.08 / kilo, respectively, as the market transitions to the northern hemisphere's season.
In China, prices increased during by 6% to 10% week 37, as the 20's series had an average price of US $ 1.93 / kilo, and the 30`s series stood at US $ 1.81. $ / kilo. The Chilean offer was mainly of the 30's series. No prices were recorded during week 38.
In the United States the kiwi market is mostly stable, as there is a moderate demand and slightly rising prices. Prices ranged between US $ 1.20 and 1.80 / kilo (depending on size and condition), with the East Coast quoting at higher prices. Despite this, prices are, on average 47%, lower than in the same week of 2017.
The low demand for this fruit and the accumulated stocks in Latin America have had an impact on the condition of the fruit. Prices have rebounded by 22% since week 37 thanks to the decrease in arrivals, but still remain 27% lower than in 2017.
