Exports from Chile of the D’Agen plum variety to China have increased significantly during the current season; the glut has caused average prices to fall to half the level recorded last year.
This variety of plum is traditionally sold in its dried form, but some companies have recently exported it as fresh fruit in an attempt to fetch higher prices.
The quantity increased from 500 containers to around 2,300 containers from one year to the next.
In addition, a large quantity of poor quality goods was shipped in the early part of the season.