The Chilean fresh fruit industry was still assessing the impact of last weekend's earthquake, but early indications show that large parts of the industry have emerged with minimal damage, and the short-term prospects for trade are good, according to a news release from the Chilean Exporters Association in Santiago.

The association was working to confirm reports of damage to some packing sheds, cold storage facilities, transportation links, ports and airports, the release said, but the main port of Valparaiso was said to be working to almost full capacity.

"Although it's too early to measure the likely mid- and long-term impact of the earthquake on fruit supplies for export, initial reports are encouraging," Ronald Bown, chairman of the board of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, said in the release.

"A number of the key packing facilities escaped with minimal damage, and where roads and bridges are impassible, alternate routes are available," he said. "We do not anticipate major disruption in fruit supplies."

A substantial volume of fruit already is on the water headed for international ports, the release said.

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