Commodities

Cherry Boom Has Chile Predicting Record Agriculture Shipments

  • Farm exports are set to jump 15%, minister says in interview
  • China groups are leasing, buying cherry-growing land in Chile

   

Photographer: Desiree Martin/AFP/Getty Images
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Fruit-exporting powerhouse Chile expects to register record agriculture shipments in the coming season on favorable weather and strong Asia-led demand.

Chile — the biggest cherry exporter and a top shipper of blueberries and grapes — has had three years of normal rainfall after a prolonged drought and managed to contain plagues and avoid unseasonal downpours. Authorities have also struck deals to reduce barriers in China and Europe at a time when health-conscious consumers are pushing up demand.