Pedro Acuña, executive director of Chileprunes, states that of the total prunes production, more than 70 thousand metric tons were available for dehydration.
At the close of the 2022 harvest and complying with market estimates given a couple of months ago, Chile had a total prunes production of 90,000 Metric Tons (MT), of which 71,000 MT were available for dehydration. and the remaining 19,000 MT were used for fresh fruit.
Figures higher than those recorded in the previous period, indicates Pedro Acuña, executive director of Chileprunes, who adds that last season there were lower world stocks due to production losses in Chile, France and Argentina – due to damage caused by nature. -, and which influenced a rise in international prices.
The European prunes area in Chile is 12,451 hectares, concentrated in the VI Region (area located immediately south of its capital, Santiago).
Regarding the 2021 pruning, which explains this harvest, it should be noted that there was a scarce and expensive workforce; generating less load regulation. Regarding flowering and fruit set, the first was somewhat abundant and late, while the second, which takes place in the months of September-October in Chile, allowed high to very high loads in most of the productive zones.
Regarding the 2022 national production, the executive highlights that for the harvest and drying, the best climatic and technical conditions were available for its development.
“The harvest, which in Chile takes place in February, had volumes slightly higher than estimated and somewhat smaller sizes than expected. Despite the high loads, the fruit gained sugar and the quality was excellent,” adds Pedro Acuña.
Given the above, Chile, as the world’s leading exporter of prunes, is in very good condition to supply international markets.
