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f apple varieties. The effect is expected to lower output when pared to last year’ s production, as was reported by an industry source. As producers have been diversifying their orchards, during the last decade, by planting new and more productive varieties,., Fuji, Gala, Jonathan, Braeburn, Pink Lady and Galaxies in replacement for the traditional varieties, such as Red Delicious and its variations (., Richard Red, Starking, etc) and increasing density of their orchards, output in the ing years is expected to keep expanding. Red apple varieties constitute over 75 percent of total planting and output. The main green variety is Granny Smith, which is used both for fresh export (mainly to Europe and the United States) as well as for concentrated apple juice production. Crop Area: Although some growers, mainly in Regions VII (CuricoTalca) and VIII (Chillan), continue to replace and increase their planting densities, farmers have been uprooting old orchards. However, in general, the total planted area is on hold due to a significant fall in economic returns observed during the last few years. A strong peso coupled with increased labor costs has been reducing the petitiveness of the laborintensive fruit industry in Chile and has put a hold on the planted area after a continuous growth in the past. The exchange rate for the peso fell again during the last few months from 520 Chilean pesos to 495 pesos to the dollar. Other factors, like increasing energy costs are also affecting the industry. Consequently, industry sources have indicated that increases of new plantings and significant production increases in the ing years are not expected. Consumption: There are no official statistics on domestic fresh apple consumption. The figures shown in the PSamp。D table are estimated as a residual of production, minus an estimate of apples destined for processing and the known export figure. Trade: Apples, Fresh File Promoted by: ACG | Amston The industry forecasts a small expansion of apples as weather