Chile sends fewer and fewer peaches to Canada

Chilean peaches have started to be shipped to Canada, although the volume shipped is lower each time. "Chile has seen its volumes drop as some retailers, especially in North America, have decided not to carry Chilean peaches," says Larry Davidson of North American Produce Buyers (NAPB). "Apart from a few growers and a few varieties, it's hard to plan for the fruit to arrive in good condition." Although NAPB continues to work with some growers and some varieties, it has focused on growing fruit with the integrity necessary to ship, first by air, but later by sea. "Some retailers also work with aerial programs. They work well, but Chile has had many labor and water complications, as well as weather and financial problems. Growers have uprooted peach trees in recent years and replaced them with other stone fruits. such as nectarines, dried plums or cherries, which are more profitable," explains Davidson. Shipments by air began on December 18 or 19, and NAPB has also begun loading ...