Easy peelers have rapidly evolved into the growth driver for the citrus category, and Chile has been supplying increased volumes year on year to meet the rising demand of the North American market. Chile is the main Southern Hemisphere provider of easy peelers, with steady supply of clementines through July, and mandarins from August through October. In 2017, the combined supply of clementines and mandarins from Chile grew by 22%, reaching 113,545 tons. Further market growth is anticipated this season, with initial projections for clementines alone indicating a 24% increase to around 51,000 tons. Mandarin projections will be released by May. Chile exports more than 95% of its clementines and mandarins to North America.
Similar to 2017, the Chilean Citrus Committee is forecasting a strong season for Chilean citrus. Comments Juan Enrique Ortúzar, president of the Committee, “We’re expecting consistently high quality fruit this year. We had very favorable temperatures this autumn, with warm days and cooler nights, and last year’s strong rainfall has also provided plenty of water for irrigation.”
In light of increasing market opportunities, the Chilean Citrus Committee has further expanded its marketing program in North America, and will be implementing its largest campaign to date in 2018. The integrated campaign will include in-store and online marketing programs with retail chains across the U.S. and Canada, participation in numerous tradeshows, foodservice education and more. Marketing will be ongoing through October. States Karen Brux, Managing Director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, “Retailers can rely on Chile for all their citrus needs, whether clementines, mandarins, lemons or navels. We look forward to partnering with the trade and offering consumers great tasting Chilean citrus throughout the summer and fall.”