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The South American organic apple and pear deal comes with a litany of challenges which continue to threaten the long term vitality and sustainability ofproduction in Argentina and Chile. Increased production, declining returns, Argentinian inflation and major advancements in controlled atmosphere storage are among the challenges importers face in the South American organic fruit deal.
Despite the obstacles, South American organic apple and pear programs at the retail level have evolved and matured over the years allowing for longer and more rooted program business to occur, said Ben Johnson, president of Bridges Organic Produce.
Demand is strong for South American fruit, according to Luis Acuña, president of Viva Tierra, with primary competition coming from the glut of Washington fruit. He believes the Washington crop is 25 -30 percent larger this year, resulting in low priced domestic fruit.
Southern hemisphere apples will run through mid-August, with the first few containers of Chilean and Argentinian Galas projected to land this week. Galas and Granny Smith varieties will follow, with Pink Ladies approximately three weeks away.
With an oversupply projected in the US, producers from South America are focusing on higher-return European markets or they are putting fruit in CA rooms, and waiting for better markets to unfold, according to Acuña.
Improved CA rooms have led to an elongated supply situation according to Bill Denevan, grower representative for Viva Tierra. “Some of the brand new, special, low oxygen controlled atmosphere systems (DCA), allow apples to be stored for nearly ten months and pears up to 5 months, creating tremendous pressures on import programs,” he said.
Better coloring and quality is predicted for this season, but Denevan cautions of fawning over color more than flavor and crunch. “Apple consumption was stagnant for decades because of poor-quality, mushy red delicious apples dominating the marketplace, “he said.
Organic Argentinean Pears
Viva Tierra and Bridges Organic have both landed their first containers of organic Argentinian Bartlett pears on the east coast. “The window is much better on the pear side of the southern deal, as domestic pears wrap up in early March and the Argentinian fruit comes in mid Feb and goes through late June” said Johnson. “By the time the California crop comes on again in early July, the market typically needs fruit again.” Other varietals such as Packham, Bosc, Abate Fetel and Anjou will follow Barletts.
