Latest News From Chilean Citrus

Production of late summer mandarins from Chile continues to grow along with strong consumer demand.

Crop prospects and promotion opportunities are looking up for Chilean citrus in 2018.

Chile’s navel orange season started late, but volumes were picking up by July 18, marketers said.

Lemon volumes are lighter coming out of Chile this year, although there are no quality issues apparent, marketers say.

The Chilean Fresh Fruit Association and Chilean Citrus Committee are offering a full menu of promotions this year, said Karen Brux, managing director of the San Carlos, Calif.-based association.

For a time, marketers had expected more mandarins out of Chile this year.

Boise, Idaho-based WinCo Foods partnered with the Chilean Citrus Committee on a recent promotion with social media and in-store components.

Recent heavy rains have filled up reservoirs in the Coquimbo region of Chile, providing enough water for the next four citrus seasons.