Chile
Managing Director for Americas Ignacio Caballero talks taking on processed snacks, launching in-store tastings, and navigating early-season weather as Chilean cherry season takes off.
By leveraging Chilean breeding innovations and a multi-region sourcing strategy, Naturipe Farms ensures a resilient, year-round supply of premium berries and avocados for North American retailers.
The new program seeks to capitalize on dekopon demand with availability counter to U.S. production windows.
As combined supply from key regions surges over 40% in the U.S. while consumption lags, a newly launched report from the Global Grape Group urges the industry to pivot from competing for market share to collectively driving global category growth.
The former head of Kopke Fruit transformed North American grocery shelves by pioneering counter-seasonal supply chains and establishing the Delaware River ports as the premier hub for South American produce.
The executive assumed the role in July, leading a new phase for the trade association’s U.S. commercial office focused on advancing institutional relations and promotional work for Chilean fruit.
Growers are “expecting a great season,” which follows a 2025 citrus season that delivered strong overall export growth.
The official promotional brand for the Chilean fruit industry is mourning the death of the historic president of its association, who is recalled as a “tireless advocate for producers and exporters” and a “deeply respected and approachable leader.”
The international alliance of table grape producers gained additional momentum at Fruit Logistica 2026, where the group shared its mission to unite the table grape industry to drive consumption and position grapes as the go-to healthful snack.
There is a lot of rate volatility in the spot market during this time of year as high-value fruit, local conditions and truck availability collide.
While challenges exist for Chilean table grapes, supplies of blueberries and cherries are expected to be strong this winter.
The company says additions in both hemispheres will strengthen year-round supply of premium grape brands.
The U.S. is the largest destination for table grapes, but demand has been stagnant, a problem for global growers who expect larger production.
High production numbers were prompted by favorable weather conditions, an improved fruit set and adoption of new agricultural technologies and management practices.
The annual shift to international suppliers has been smooth this year and ensures retailers have a constant supply of the popular apple, Oppy says.
The Hass Avocado Board’s ‘2024 Year in Review’ report highlights trends worth watching and optimism about future production.
Significant production increases are seen in the initial forecast for the coming season, especially for mandarins.
Sales have begun in Australia, production is in early stages in South America, and New Zealand and South Africa are testing new varieties.
The company says the certification reflects its position as a benchmark in corporate responsibility.
In 2023, shipments to the U.S. accounted for nearly 48% of Chilean shipments of fresh grapes.
The USDA estimates that Chilean table grape production, aided by high yields, will increase by 6.6%.
As Honeybear Brands imports its first organic Honeycrisps from Chile, the company has achieved a milestone with year-round supplies of the popular variety.
Elgin, Minn.-based Honeybear Brands expects the first shipments of its 2019 Chilean Honeycrisp apples to arrive on U.S. retailer shelves no later than April 15.
LGS Specialty Sales Ltd., New Rochelle, N.Y., is preparing to start the Peruvian avocado and summer citrus seasons by visiting growers in different countries.
Mandarin production is forecast to increase by 13.1%, according to a new USDA report.
Terra Exports, Las Vegas, has hired Manuel Escandon, who is based in Chile, as part of its South American expansion.
Awe Sum Organics, Santa Cruz, Calif., is starting its new crop of Southern Hemisphere apples.