Chilean Grape Committee projects 35 million boxes for the U.S.

The Chilean grape industry has shipped 20 million boxes globally through the eighth week of the season, and the Chilean Grape Committee estimates the industry will end the season close to 62 million boxes, according to a news release. The U.S. is expected to receive roughly 57% of the total volume or about 35 million boxes.

Chile has exported 15 million boxes to the U.S. through week eight, says the Chilean Grape Committee, adding that another 20 million will be shipped between Weeks 9 and 17. The East Coast is expected to receive approximately 15 million boxes, and the West Coast 5 million. Weeks 11 and 12 have been highlighted as the peak weeks for shipments, the release said.

“More than half of the volume projected for the U.S. market has yet to be shipped, and weekly volumes will increase starting in week 10,” said Ignacio Caballero, director of marketing for Frutas de Chile and coordinator of the Grape Committee. “It’s looking like mid-March through April will be a great time for retailers to promote Chilean grapes.”

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The Chilean Grape Committee says its grape industry has seen significant growth this season in exports of Sweet Globe, Allison, Timco and AutumnCrisp. While the variety experiencing the greatest drop in volume has been thompson seedless, with volume plummeting by 52% in response to market feedback, the release said. 

In terms of other export markets, Chile reports having shipped 11% to the Far East, 8% to Latin America and 5% to Europe.