Chile

Global Grape Group Gains Steam as It Aims to Grow Consumption

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:34:38 GMT

BERLIN — The Global Grape Group, an alliance of table grape producers from around the world, gained additional momentum at Fruit Logistica 2026, where the group shared its mission to unite the table grape industry to drive consumption and raise awareness of the fruit’s nutritional benefits, flavor profiles and versatility, with an aim to collectively position grapes as the go-to healthful snack in the U.S. and around the globe.

“We want Global Grape Group to evolve into a truly global alliance,” says Ignacio Caballero, Chile board member of the Global Grape Group and director of marketing for Frutas de Chile. “We’ve met with South Africa, and they’re interested in being part of GGG. We’ve also spoken with Brazil and California table grape producers and breeding companies. We have a platform that brings the whole industry under one roof.”

Launched in March 2025, the global alliance and its “Have a Grape Day” consumer campaign come at a critical time, as global table grape supplies continue to outpace consumption.

“The grape industry is at a turning point right now,” Caballero told The Packer this past March. “Supply has grown 80% in the last 20 years, while demand is only growing at 13%.”

Global Grape Group, now a formal LLC in the U.S., has three main objectives, Caballero says:

Increase consumption, starting in the U.S.
Share information.
Share best practices.

“Grapes compete as a positive, healthy snack, not against other fruit. The first step in driving consumption is to bring the industry together,” says Luis Miguel Vegas of the Peruvian Table Grape Producers Association and the International Blueberry Organization.

Collaboration is powerful, Caballero agrees.

“We can’t do it alone. We can’t solve problems alone. We need to have a communication network where we can pick up the phone and know who to talk to,” says Caballero, who sees Global Grape Group as an opportunity for the entire table grape industry to tap into the power of collaboration — from the world’s top producers to representatives in emerging markets.

While the founding Global Grape Group members include Chile, Peru and Mexico, the group aims to expand to include grape importers from around the world.

“Global Grape Group is taking the best from what blueberries and avocados have been able to do by working collaboratively and bringing that to grapes,” Caballero says. “We’re not here to just talk; we’re taking action with the goal of augmenting production and driving consumption across the world, working together as an industry on common challenges and creating new opportunities.”

From left, Ignacio Caballero, Colin Fain and Luis Miguel Vegas announce launch of The Global Grape Report at Fruit Logistica 2026.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Table Grape Intelligence

At Fruit Logistica 2026, the Global Grape Group announced a collaboration with marketing intelligence platform and consulting firm Agronometrics to launch The Global Grape Report, a new annual publication designed to deliver a comprehensive, data-driven overview of the global table grape industry.

The Global Grape Report will provide a consolidated view of global table grape production, trade flows and market dynamics, drawing on aggregated industry data and input from producing countries, according to the Global Grape Group. The report, intended to serve as a credible resource for growers, exporters, marketers and other industry stakeholders seeking timely and objective market intelligence, is set to debut in August at the 2026 International Table Grape Conference in Chile.

“The Global Grape Report represents an important step toward greater transparency in the global table grape market,” says Colin Fain, CEO of Agronometrics. “By combining robust analytics with industry collaboration, the initiative aims to support more informed decision-making across the table grape industry.”

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South American Produce Drives Philly’s Peak Reefer Season

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:12:46 GMT

There’s a seasonality to the trucking world just like there is to any element of the fresh produce industry. For the Port of Philadelphia, late fall and the influx of produce from South America kicks off and drives what could be called peak reefer season on the spot market.

“You get to the winter months and you start to get produce out of the southern hemisphere,” says Dean Croke, DAT iQ industry analyst. DAT iQ is a data analytics service from DAT One, a truckload freight marketplace for North America.

“But we start to see a lot of our refrigerated trucks now gravitate towards the South American produce and that principally shifts to the port of Philadelphia,” he adds, highlighting that the port is now receiving high-value perishables such as Peruvian blueberries and Chilean grapes.

“It becomes a real harbor of activity that wouldn’t have been on many people’s radar until you start to see significant volumes start to land from South America,” Croke says.

With the need to move fresh produce when it hits the dock, he explains that the highly interstate-connected Port of Philadelphia is ideal for the time-sensitive task.

“The proximity of Philadelphia to probably 45% to 50% of the U.S. population is absolutely key to why Philadelphia is sort of that epicenter of produce for South America,” Croke says.

Regional reefers by the numbers

According to Croke and DAT iQ data, outbound reefer volumes during the week of Thanksgiving were up 16% compared to the same time last year, with spot rates up 4% to average $2.25 per mile. They came down a little in the first week of December, Croke says, to just 10% and 2% respectively. He also notes there is currently an oversupply of trucks in the market, which is suppressing national spot rates.

But those nationwide numbers don’t tell the whole story, he adds.

“The high-volume lanes give you a little bit better read on where the volume goes,” Croke says. “Chicago’s the No. 1 lane for all of that produce that comes into Philadelphia. Volumes are up 33% year over year. Rates are up 7% year over year.”

But things can also fluctuate wildly this time of year depending on other local conditions as well, he adds.

“If it gets freezing cold, rates are going to go through the roof,” Croke offers as an example. “Not because there’s more freight, but because everyone that ships laundry detergent and Coca-Cola will want a refrigerated trailer to keep them warm so they don’t freeze. It’s counterintuitive.

The combination of these local conditions, such as South American blueberries arriving at the Port of Philadelphia headed to Toronto during a freeze, can also cause rates to spike all of a sudden.

“You get all these sort of swings and ebbs and flows on the supply side and the demand side, and you have a lot of rate volatility that enters the market,” Croke says, describing it almost like a ballet. “It’s an unusual thing to watch, but there’s this sort of supply and demand balance that gets played out even at an hourly level, depending on weather when you get to this time of the year.”

Fruit Exports from Chile Going Strong into Winter

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:24:07 GMT

“Chile is a powerhouse in global fruit exports.” So says the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

“Chile is recognized as one of the world’s leading fruit exporters, ranking fifth globally with exports exceeding $8.2 billion,” reads a recent FAS report . It goes on to name fresh cherries, blueberries and table grapes among the country’s standout products. And the U.S. consumes a good deal of those products.

The U.S. is Chile’s second-largest destination after China for all exported goods, according to the World Trade Organization . Fresh fruit and fruit-derived products top its agricultural exports by value. Stone fruit — especially cherries, but also apricots, plums and peaches — occupied the most valuable line item in that category, representing roughly 18% of the value share of its agricultural exports, in 2022.

Chile also represents an important piece of the puzzle that is getting U.S. consumers fresh fruit all year round.

“Chile continues to invest in the U.S. market and is one of the largest suppliers of fresh fruit to the U.S. during the winter months,” says Joe Klick, associate vice president of product management for Naturipe.

Chile’s growing climate is ideal for winter fruit, he adds, and its steady investment in fruit quality and logistics has helped make year-round fresh fruit possible.

Of course, Chile isn’t the only Central or South American country to target the U.S. market and its love of tropical fruit and demand for fruit all year . Colombia seeks to drive U.S. demand for its avocados, for instance, and Peru recently set a new all-time record for its mango exports to the U.S.

“Peru’s growth in both volume and quality has raised the bar across the board,” says Klick, speaking about blueberries. “Chile responded by dialing up its own game. You’re seeing more focus on premium fruit and proprietary varieties that deliver standout flavor and consistency. It’s all part of staying competitive and keeping those berries at their best.”

Getting fresh fruit from Chile — a trip that can take over 4,800 miles by sea from the closest seaports or 4,100 miles by air from the main airports — can be a challenge, however. Klick says the country is rising to the occasion with the competition sparking innovation.

“We’re seeing smarter, faster shipping routes and exciting advancements in genetics that extend shelf life and deliver better flavor,” he adds. “Plus, Chile’s timing is great as its fruit lands just as the import season wraps and U.S. crops start up. It keeps the momentum (and the berries) rolling year-round.”

Building Blueberry Demand

Speaking of those blueberries, Klick says Chile has been keeping U.S. consumers stocked in winter for decades.

“Chile actually helped pioneer the winter blueberry market here in the U.S.,” he adds. “They got started back in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, then really took off between 2004 and 2008.”

The USDA’s Economic Research Service calls blueberries the second-most economically important berry behind strawberries. And it’s one that has grown in popularity. Compared to 1980, when the per-capita availability (a stand-in for consumption) of fresh blueberries stood at not even a fifth of a pound, in 2023 it was over 2.6 pounds.

That growing demand has to be supplied from somewhere. In 2023, the U.S. imported 558.62 million pounds of fresh blueberries according to USDA. Imports from Chile represented roughly 16% of total U.S. blueberry imports that year.

The U.S. has been the top market for Chilean fresh and frozen blueberries , receiving more than half of the Chilean export volume annually in recent years. Fresh Chilean blueberries are imported into the U.S. from September through April, with volumes peaking in January and February. In the completed 2024-25 market year, the U.S. imported 87.28 million pounds of fresh blueberries (cultivated and wild) from Chile.

Klick says that most of Chile’s blueberry fields, which are located in the north-south middle of the coastal country, have Mediterranean climates.

“Cool winters, dry summers, and low disease pressure are basically perfect growing conditions,” he says. “Combine that with Chile’s top-tier export systems and cold chain logistics, and you get fresh, flavorful berries.”

He adds that Naturipe sees Chile as a key partner in supplying year-round blueberries and projects good things for Chile’s peak blueberry season this year.

“Come January and February, shoppers can expect plenty of top-notch Chilean blueberries ready to enjoy,” Klick says.

Table Grape Competition and Oversupply is a Challenge

Agricultural Economics

(Graphic courtesy of USDA)

Fresh table grapes are another area where Chilean fruit exports to the U.S. shine.

The U.S. is the main export market for the Southern Hemisphere’s table grapes. According to ERS, U.S. imports of table grapes from May 2024 through April 2025 exceeded 2 billion pounds. Almost all (97%) of that volume came from Chile, Peru and Mexico.

Chile has historically been the primary source for the U.S.’s imported table grapes by volume, though Peru has become a key source of competition to Chile for U.S. table grape import market share.

“Table grape production in Chile has been faced with tight margins, due in part to export competition from neighboring Peru putting downward pressure on prices,” read the July Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook by ERS.

Frutas de Chile reports that the country’s total global exports are down almost 7% year-over-year, despite increases in the U.S. The reason for this decrease is “The acceleration of the varietal replacement process, where new varieties are gaining ground but have not yet fully replaced older, phased-out varieties,” the group explains. It estimates that new grape varieties are expected to represent 71% of total Chilean table grape exports this season, up from 67% last season.

However, there might be fewer grapes going to the U.S. in the near future.

“Shipments to Latin America are expected to increase by 14%, while shipments to Asia and North America are projected to decrease by 18% and 9%, respectively,” the group says, adding that it “will be running a robust consumer and trade campaign throughout the season.”

Indeed, the recently formed Global Grape Group , of which Frutas de Chile is a member together with Peruvian and Mexican representatives, has the goal to grow U.S. table grape demand to address the current mismatch between supply and demand.

“In the last eight years, we have seen a 40% increase in the supply of Southern Hemisphere grapes to its main market, the U.S., while demand has only increased by 3% during the same period,” said Ignacio Caballero, executive director of Frutas de Chile’s Table Grape Committee, at the Second International Table Grape Congress held in August. He added that it is crucial for the entire industry, not just Chile, to increase table grape demand.

Record-Setting Export Volumes Projected for Cherries

Discussion of Chilean fruit exports wouldn’t be complete without cherries. The FAS even called cherries “the jewel of Chilean fruits.”

“In the southern hemisphere, Chile accounts for 96% of cherry exports, reinforcing its global leadership in this market,” says Frutas de Chile, adding that the Chilean Cherry Committee projects total exports of to reach 131 million boxes during the 2025-26 season.

The FAS estimates that volume as 670,000 metric tons , or 1.48 billion pounds, a record for the country if realized, assuming no “unexpected shocks to the cherry production and export industry.” However, it also notes that China consumed 90.8% of Chile’s 2024-25 fresh cherry exports and expects China’s demand to remain strong in the upcoming season.

When it comes to exports of Chilean cherries to the U.S., FAS forecasts the U.S. will import a total of 30,000 metric tons or 66.14 million pounds, largely due to increased shipments from Chile. If realized, this would be a record for U.S. cherry imports.

“Chile continues to increase its investment in North America, and we will see an expanded consumer and retail campaign this season,” reports Frutas de Chile. The group says that the first air shipments of Chilean cherries usually hit New York markets in late October, and it reports that product on those early flights were cited as being of excellent condition.

“Peak U.S. availability [runs] from late December through February, with the first charter vessel arriving on the East Coast in mid-December,” the group adds, noting that it is “working with retailers to promote over the holidays, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day and National Cherry Month in February.”

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Sun World Welcomes New Licensees in Chile, Egypt

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:58:07 GMT

Sun World International LLC announced Oct. 30 that it has added six new licensees to its worldwide network. The new partners — spanning key production regions in Egypt and Chile — represent diverse business models, from vertically integrated exporters to long-standing family-owned farms.

“These partnerships reflect the kind of thoughtful growth that defines Sun World,” says Pablo Ramirez, vice president of global licensing. “We work intentionally to identify partners who share our values and uphold the integrity of our brands. Together, they strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional fruit to retailers and consumers across every region.”

Sun World says the new licensees are:

Delipack Spa (Chile) — A family-owned company with more than 60 years in the fresh fruit industry, Delipack manages 1,000-plus hectares of production and is recognized for its quality, innovation and sustainable practices serving global markets.
Cairo 3A for Agricultural and Animal Production (Egypt) — A vertically integrated supplier of produce through advanced farming, postharvest and distribution systems across Egypt and the Middle East and North Africa region.
ITAMCO for Agricultural Development (Egypt) — Established in 1991, ITAMCO (GB Farms) cultivates more than 2,000 acres of grapes and mangoes and is known for its focus on traceability, environmental stewardship and export quality.
Al-Bustania Agricultural Development Company (Egypt) — A leading grower and exporter serving major European retailers, Al-Bustania operates extensive acreage and multiple certified packing facilities across Egypt.
Nivex for Agricultural Investment and Export (Egypt) — A second-generation family enterprise specializing in fruit production and export to retailers across the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Geofrut (Chile) — Founded in 1991, Geofrut manages more than 1,500 hectares of owned farmland and collaborates with 180-plus producers, supplying fruit to markets worldwide through a strong commitment to sustainability and traceability.

Each new partner will market Sun World’s signature grape brands tailored to their regions’ growing conditions and retail markets. As part of the Sun World licensee network, they’ll receive agronomic support as well as access to proprietary breeding insights and marketing tools to help drive long-term success, the company says.

“By expanding across both hemispheres, we’re not just growing our footprint — we’re strengthening the reliability and reach of Sun World fruit for retailers and consumers everywhere,” says Petri van der Merwe, vice president of global licensing. “This balance allows us to deliver premium quality 12 months a year, from our vines to the global marketplace.”

Global Grape Group Talks Strategy for Boosting U.S. Demand

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:56:07 GMT

Presenting and defining the Global Grape Group’s (GGG) demand strategy was one of the key topics at the Second International Table Grape Congress, held in Lima, Peru, Aug. 13-14.

Organized by the Peruvian Table Grape Producers Association (Provid), the event featured participation from Frutas de Chile, along with its grape committee, and Table Grapes from Mexico, gathering nearly 700 representatives from the industry who analyzed technical, climatic, logistical and market issues related to table grapes.

During the “From Individual Challenge to Collective Action: The Value of Competition in the Table Grape Industry” panel, GGG representatives reflected on the group as a driving force to build a common voice, face shared challenges and strengthen the competitiveness of the industry in major global markets.

Ignacio Caballero, executive director of Frutas de Chile’s Table Grape Committee, addressed the main challenge facing the industry.

“In the last eight years, we have seen a 40% increase in the supply of Southern Hemisphere grapes to its main market, the U.S., while demand has only increased by 3% during the same period,” Caballero says. “If we expect a 13% increase in volumes in the coming years, the mismatch between supply and demand will be even greater. The weekly demand level is stagnant at 3.5 million boxes; when it exceeds this level, as happened for more than 10 weeks during the last season, prices drop dramatically. Therefore, it is crucial that we, as GGG, work together to increase this demand. The cost of doing nothing is too high for everyone.”

For his part, Rodrigo Vallejo, CEO of the Ro2media agency, presented the results of the “Have a Grape Day” campaign , developed in collaboration with the GGG, that launched in the U.S. for the 2024-25 season.

“The campaign clearly establishes, in a versatile manner, filled with positive energy and emotionally effective, the concept that a grape can improve your day — it’s that simple,” Vallejo points out, adding that there were significant achievements in this first campaign.

He says this initial campaign achieved important coverage through specialized industry media, with great results considering the relatively low initial resources invested for the challenge at hand.

“We exceeded the goals, achieving incremental sales of over US$10 million with our 49 programs in supermarkets,” he says. Additionally, he emphasizes that “this campaign impacted 83 million consumers, creating 35 million new ones and increasing an additional 1.4 kilograms per capita for those who saw the campaign.”

To conclude, Vallejo presented data from other similar success cases, such as Zespri, Chilean Cherries, and Avocados from Mexico, stating: “It was a good start, but we need to invest more as we should expect a return on investment between 450% and 600%. We are currently investing only US$0.7 per ton, while others are investing up to US$71 per ton. This is just the beginning; we aim for more. We need more participants.”

Luis Miguel Vegas, general manager of Provid, highlighted the importance of industry collaboration and questioned what Peru needs to manage a projected production of 100 million boxes of grapes in the future, emphasizing the need for the industry to work cohesively to sustain its development. The major issues from the past season were logistical problems caused by volume concentration. For this reason, he urges the industry to start investing in promotions through the GGG.

“The United States is the main market for table grapes; it is the ideal place to begin the GGG’s actions,” adds Sergio Lugo, general manager of Table Grapes from Mexico. “We must have a medium-term strategy, starting in one place to generate a strong impact, and as we achieve results, diversify campaigns to other destinations.”

Regarding who can join the GGG, Lugo explains: “The idea is to start the GGG with our three countries but to include other origins as we have the plan ready. California, South Africa, and Brazil, among others, have already shown interest in joining. Additionally, we are defining the framework for other industry stakeholders to join.”

GGG Strategy

The steps defined by GGG initially included a “Sowing” phase in 2024-2025, which involved creating the GGG through the signing of a memo of understanding and its establishment with headquarters in the U.S. Ro2media, which works with Avocados from Mexico among other clients, was then selected. GGG defined its objectives during this period as well, focusing on increasing grape consumption globally, exchanging information among the countries of the group and promoting best sustainability practices.

The 2025-2026 season will mark the “First Harvest” stage, which includes the first full promotional campaign of the GGG and its launch in the U.S., according to the group.

GGG representatives estimate that efforts to boost grape demand in the U.S. could mean an investment of between $2 million and $3 million for the 2025-26 season, which equates to between 2-3 cents per box of grapes, with a potential medium-term benefit of between $1 and $2 per box.

GGG plans to present its complete plan to the industry during the International Fresh Produce Association’s 2026 Global Produce and Floral Show on Oct. 16, at 3 p.m. in Anaheim, Calif.

Chile Reports a Standout Season for Avocados

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:15:21 GMT

Chilean avocado growers had their highest production in 15 years and their longest season ever in 2024-25, according to the Chilean Avocado Committee.

Growers produced 240,000 tons of avocados during the season that began Aug. 24 and continued until June 25.

Exports accounted for 57% of production — 136,000 tons — a 52% increase from the previous season’s 89,363 tons. Europe accounted for 57% of exports (77,000 tons); Latin America, led by Argentina, received 25.1% (34,000 tons); Asia took 8.6%; North America got 8.5% of exports and .8% were shipped to Oceania.

The high production numbers were prompted by favorable weather conditions, an improved fruit set and adoption of new agricultural technologies and management practices, especially in non-conventional areas, explains Karen Brux, managing director of the Chilean Avocado Importers Association. Chile has about 74,000 acres of avocados.

Europe has been the main export destination for Chilean producers for more than six years, Brux says.

“Chilean avocados fill supply gaps in the U.S. during fall and winter,” she adds.

Early-season avocado production typically is used domestically. In 2024-25, 43% of total production stayed in Chile, Brux says.

Chile is the second-largest global consumer of hass avocados, she says, with an annual average per capita intake of 19 pounds.

Chilean avocados are unique, Brux says.

“Central Chile, where most avocados are grown — especially the Valparaíso Coquimbo and O’Higgins regions — has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers,” she says. “This results in consistent growing conditions that contribute to high-quality fruit with rich flavor and creamy texture, which is very similar to California.”

Chile’s avocado growing season runs from August through March, with growers offering fresh avocados during the Northern Hemisphere’s offseason, Brux says.

Envy Apples Shifting to Southern Hemisphere Sources

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 18:49:57 GMT

Oppy announced a new crop of Envy apples is coming from New Zealand at the beginning of August, then crops will begin coming from Chile and South Africa in the following weeks. This Southern Hemisphere sourcing will ensure a seamless transition from the Washington season and an uninterrupted supply of one of the most popular apple varieties, the company says.

“Strategic alignment with our international partners has enabled us to execute a smooth and efficient transition between growing regions,” says Roger Aguirre, director of apples and pears. “Oppy has marketed New Zealand products since the 1950s. These decades of connectedness have positioned us as a trusted bridge to the Kiwi nation’s premium pipfruit in the North American market.”

Piers Hanbury, executive director of apples, pears and category development, says: “The transition this year has been especially smooth. From growing conditions to logistics, the Southern Hemisphere crop positions us to keep pace with growing demand. Envy continues to outperform other proprietary varieties, and we’re well prepared to support retail programs all summer long.”

Demand for Envy apples continues to rise, the company says, with two in five Envy shoppers being new to the variety within the past year. Consumers are highly engaged, spending 1.8 times more than the average apple shopper, and loyal, with units per trip ranking second among all branded apples.

Hanbury notes, “Everything is in place to ensure no gaps in availability, providing our retail partners with consistent supply and shoppers with the crisp, sweet Envy experience they expect.”

Oppy says its marketing support and countrywide supply chain ensure a reliable source of Envy apples year-round to retail partners. It also offers a wide range of fresh apple varieties including Jazz, ambrosia, braeburn, Smitten, royal gala, fuji, granny smith and Pink Lady.

“Our year-round program is built on the foundation of delivering the very best eating experience, and it’s what our retail partners can continue to count on from Oppy,” Aguirre says.

Flat production, small fruit dog the avocado industry in 2024

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:09:30 GMT

The avocado industry has been chasing 3 billion pounds of annual production or import for years now. It didn’t make it in 2024, but there’s hope the goal is in reach for 2025.

The Hass Avocado Board released its 2024 Year in Review report May 25. In it, the board highlighted several trends in the U.S. avocado industry — key among these being five years of flat production and smaller fruit — as well as tallying up where the industry is and where it will go in the near future.

“Overall, volume stagnated flat, going from 2.860 billion pounds in 2023 to 2.878 billion pounds in 2024, an increase of less than 1%,” the report said. “It’s the fifth year in a row that volume has been between 2.588 and 2.878 billion pounds, a streak that many hope to break in 2025 and finally get over the 3-billion-pound mark the industry has had on its radar screen since 2019.”

The report also summarized California’s production and avocado export countries’ volumes shipped into the U.S. in 2024 as follows:

Mexico — 2.311 billion pounds, down 5% from its 2023 level of 2.435 billion pounds.
California — 337 million pounds, up sharply (58%) from its surprisingly low 2023 volume of 213 million pounds.
Peru — 137 million pounds, relatively flat compared to 2023.
Colombia — 68 million pounds, over double the 2023 volume of 30 million pounds.
Chile — 12 million pounds, also relatively flat compared to 2023.

Trend No. 1: Flat avocado production worldwide

John McGuigan, HAB director of industry affairs, told The Packer there are two main drivers of the flat production seen in avocado-producing countries: weather and grove age.

“Weather patterns have definitely changed,” he said. “Peru will tell you that the last couple of years were El Niño-driven and that’s why they had smaller crops and smaller sizes.” Mexico provides another example.

“The rainy seasons and the amount of rain down in Mexico, in Michoacan, is completely different,” he added, noting that Mexico produces roughly 85% of the avocados consumed in the U.S. Michoacan is Mexico’s primary avocado growing region, and a majority of the orchards there are completely rain-fed, making changes in precipitation patterns a problem.

“Mexico is having some issues with their productivity, and they have to increase their technological skills in the orchards if we’re ever going to get to 3.3 or 3.4 [billion pounds], which we believe is very doable on the demand side in the U.S.,” McGuigan said.

Grove age is also a productivity concern for Mexico and beyond, he said.

“A lot of the groves were put in in [Mexico, California and Chile] during the ’70s and the ’80s,” McGuigan explained. And older trees are not as productive.

Trend No. 2: Smaller avocados

Older trees also produced smaller fruit.

“Fruit from almost all origins trended smaller than ‘normal’ again for almost all of 2024, as Mexico, California, Colombia and even Peru, which historically had the largest size curve in our industry, had smaller-than-average fruit to bring to market,” the HAB report said. “Volumes for ’40s & 48s, the retail bread & butter of the industry, dropped by almost 30% during the course of 2024, while small fruit grew by 9.5%.”

“I think the industry needs to keep an eye on this phenomenon and this trend,” McGuigan said.

Both he and the report noted that, thus far, retailers have bagged the smaller avocados and seen good success there. McGuigan said the volume of bagged avocados has grown aggressively since COVID to now being about 25% of all of the sales of avocados, a trend led by Costco and Walmart.

But more needs to be done, McGuigan said.

“If we are moving into more and more and more small fruit, the industry is going to have to do something more innovative than just putting them in bags and hoping the consumer is going to pick them up,” he said.

2025 and beyond

Looking to the future, McGuigan said that Americans — who already buy half of the world’s avocados — would “absolutely buy more” if there were more to buy.

Expectations for the 2025 avocado crop stand at just around 3 billion pounds — where they’ve been, though unrealized, for the past several years — according to McGuigan. The following crop in 2026 will likely be roughly the same, but both California and Colombia are the places to watch for growth farther out. HAB expects about 150 million pounds from Colombia, for example, a steep increase compared to 2024’s 68 million pounds.

McGuigan said Europe is Colombia’s main avocado market. But as Peru, which already has a lot of the European market, sends more of its avocado production to Europe, there will be more opportunity for Colombian avocados to come to the U.S.

“The issue right now for Colombia is they have to get orchards registered with a government entity, with a work plan, before they can bring it into the U.S.,” McGuigan said. That has been a slow process, but one that is improving.

“It would not surprise me to see 300 or 350 million pounds from Colombia three or four years from now,” he said.

Closer to home, the projections for California production are strong.

“I’ve heard estimates from people that, five years from now, California could be 600 million pounds. It could be big,” McGuigan said.

The potential growth in California’s avocado production will be due to two main things: new trees and more orchards. On the one hand, there have been a lot of new avocado trees planted in the wake of the Thomas Fire that tore through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in 2017.

On the other hand, new avocado orchards are going in replacing lemons. McGuigan said that lemons have been struggling for several years now because they are globally overproduced.

“So, a lot of that lemon production is going out and avocados are going in,” he said. “There’s going to be a little bit of a rebirth with California becoming a bigger player.”

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Ideal weather aids Chilean citrus production

Tue, 27 May 2025 13:30:00 GMT

Summer citrus from Chile got off to a strong start during the fourth week of April with 519 metric tons of clementines shipped to the U.S., said Karen Brux, managing director of Frutas de Chile. That’s up significantly from last year’s kickoff of 44 tons.

Lemon shipments got underway the same week with 59 tons sent to northern Europe. Last year, Chilean lemon exports started a week earlier, with 385 tons shipped to the U.S.

Chilean navel orange exports are expected to begin around the first week of June, and mandarins should start the last week of June.

“The spring’s weather conditions were ideal for growing sweet fruit with good sizing,” Brux said.

“We had long, warm days with cool nights, which had a positive impact on growing conditions and have been ideal for developing good Brix and sizing, helping citrus to reach their maximum flavor and quality,” she added.

Abundant rainfall last year replenished reservoirs and helped boost production.

“This was particularly important for the IV region (Coquimbo) in northern Chile that had been in drought for several years,” Brux said.

In 2024, Chilean growers exported 50,419 tons of clementines to the U.S. (98% of total clementine exports), 126,263 tons of mandarins (95%), 60,359 tons of lemons (63%) and 97,627 tons of navel oranges (93%).

Significant production increases are seen in the initial forecast for the coming season, especially for mandarins.

Mandarin volume is expected to increase by 32%, clementines should be up 25% and lemons are projected to rise 6%, but navel orange production might be down 18%.

Chile’s total citrus production is forecast to come in at 444 tons, an increase of 11% over 2024.

Frutas de Chile will work with retailers on tailored promotions to help them move Chilean clementines, lemons, navels and mandarins, Brux said.

“This will include everything from digital campaigns and digital coupons to in-store radio and videos running on store kiosks,” she said.

Kissabel apples progressing into Southern Hemisphere

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:01:18 GMT

Kissabel says it is expanding its range of apples with flesh that varies from pink to intense red into the Southern Hemisphere. Development continues in Australia, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and South Africa thanks to IFORED program partners in these countries, according to the company.

“Kissabel is fortunate to be able to count on high-calibre international partners,” Emmanuel de Lapparent, head of the IFORED program, said in a news release. “Producers in the Southern Hemisphere are focused on testing the different varieties in their respective climates and markets. In terms of increasing the availability of our range on the global market, we are definitely heading in the right direction.”

Australia is at the most advanced stage of development, according to the company. The growers of Montague Farms in Australia have begun the harvest, which will involve yellow skin and pink flesh varieties, and varieties with both red skin and flesh.

Though marketing is still at the early stages in terms of volumes, Montague Farms is investing in the growth of the brand, according to the release. Kissabel made an appearance on “Sunrise,” one of Australia’s most popular morning television shows. It was also a hit at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, according to the company, which added that the apple was sampled to over 50,000 people and that TV presenter and author Alice Zaslavsky hosted a sold-out Kissabel cooking demonstration at the show.

Kissabel said it plans for future sampling events involving influencers and food outlets.

“The goal is to construct a strong brand, so we are ready to increase volumes in the next few years,” said Michelle Hau, marketing manager of Montague Farms. “We are particularly interested in young foodies, the perfect target audience for an innovation product like Kissabel.”

Kissabel is also making progress in South America thanks to the work of partners Moño Azul in Argentina and Unifrutti in Chile, the company said.

“The main objective this season is to confirm which varieties adapt best to our land so we can open new commercial plantations,” said Marcelo Galardini, sales director of Moño Azul. “In the meantime, we will begin promoting Kissabel apples on the local market to raise their profile among our customers.”

Argentinean production is mainly focused on the varieties with red flesh and skin. This is also the main variety in Chile, where different cultivars are currently being tested, according to the release.

“This season we will send product samples to one of our customers in Brazil with the aim of expanding commercial production,” said Cristian Matte, commercial manager of Unifrutti Chile.

Dutoit Group of South Africa began planting its first semi-commercial orchards in 2023, focusing on red skin and red flesh varieties and achieved this year its first harvest of Kissabel apples.

“We are very excited about the quality of the harvest: the apples developed an intense and vibrant red color, especially in warmer regions. A pleasant surprise was the change in texture when apples reached maturity, also allowing the flavor to fully develop. This result was met with great enthusiasm by both our marketing team and local retailers,” said Willie Cotze, technical manager at Dutoit.

“We will be introducing Kissabel apples to a group of local media, influencers and retail customers to test the visual and tasting experience of this unique product,” he added.

The testing phase is also currently underway in New Zealand with the partner Yummy Fruit, according to the release.

Hortifrut achieves B Corp Certification worldwide

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 20:16:04 GMT

Chile-based Hortifrut announced April 23 it had joined the B Corp movement. Calling it a prestigious recognition, the company said the achievement highlights its ongoing effort to balance economic success with a positive impact on people, the planet and the community.

“This achievement represents much more than a recognition: It is an opportunity to consolidate and expand our long-term strategy, in which sustainability is not an option, but an essential pillar of our business vision,” Héctor Luján, CEO of Hortifrut, said in a news release.

“This accomplishment is the result of the collaborative work of employees, producers, suppliers, customers, business partners and strategic allies who share the vision of a more responsible future,” Luján continued.

The B Corp Certification is awarded to companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability in their management, according to the company. The certification process includes the evaluation of areas such as community and environmental impact, employee treatment, customer relations and ethical business practices, among others.

“Obtaining this certification has been the result of a comprehensive effort that has touched all levels of the company and its supply chain, from the implementation of governance policies to the measurement of environmental indicators, the optimization of resources throughout the operation and the promotion of labor inclusion programs,” said Pia Walker, Hortifrut’s sustainability manager.

“This achievement reflects our company’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and positions us as a benchmark in corporate responsibility within the sector,” Walker concluded.

Chilean fruit exports to U.S. enjoy a strong season

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 15:16:15 GMT

With the value of their shipments up nearly 70%, Chilean grape exporters from July 2023 to June 2024 had an excellent year shipping to the U.S.

In 2023, Chilean table grape exports to the world totaled $905 million, reaching 72 destinations worldwide. Shipments to the U.S. accounted for 47.8% of Chilean shipments of fresh grapes.

USDA trade numbers show that Chilean grape exports to the U.S. topped $949 million from July 2023 to June 2024, up 69% from the previous season’s value of $562.5 million.

More growth may be ahead. The so-called systems approach for inspection of grapes bound for the U.S. from the Atacama, Coquimbo and Valparaíso regions of Chile is expected to begin later this year, ProChile officials say. Grapes inspected with the systems approach don’t have be fumigated with methyl bromide. Skipping that fumigation step should boost the quality and shelf life of grapes arriving in the U.S. from those regions.

Exports of Chilean fruit showed strength in 2023-24, USDA numbers show.

Chilean plum exports to the U.S. were $52 million for the period, up 28%. Chilean peach shipments topped $54.4 million, off 6% from the previous year.

The following are other leading fruit exports to the U.S. from Chile from July 2023 to June 2024, with the percentage change from the previous year:

Citrus — $438.5 million, up 33%.
Berries, excluding strawberries — $338.6 million, up 12%.
Fresh and frozen strawberries — $52 million, up 7%.
Kiwifruit — $45.8 million, up 29%.
Cherries — $75.9 million, down 22%.
Apples — $55 million, down 27%.
Avocados — $17.1 million, up 46%.

Andrea Sapag, spokesperson for the Chilean Trade Commission and ProChile, said Chilean fruit exports are showing positive performance and are projected to continue growing in the coming years. In 2024, Chile has reached records in fresh fruit exports, driven by products such as cherries, plums and grapes, she said.

“In the coming years, Chilean fruit exports are expected to continue expanding, supported by opening new markets (especially in Asia) and strengthening logistics infrastructure,” she said. “Chilean authorities and the private sector are working on implementing new technologies, such as electronic phytosanitary certificates, to facilitate and accelerate exports. In addition, the diversification of destinations and the improvement in phytosanitary conditions are positioning Chile as a leader in fruit exports worldwide.”

Chile and the U.S. signed a free trade agreement in 2003. The agreement allowed for the gradual elimination of tariffs on most goods traded between the countries.

Over the past 20 years, Chilean growers and exporters have undergone an evolution driven by a combination of technological advancements, market diversification and a focus on sustainability, said Marcela Martínez Martabid, spokesperson for ProChile.

For example, she said growers have adopted advanced irrigation systems, drones and data analytics, which have allowed growers to increase efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, Chile has also expanded its agricultural portfolio.

“While traditional exports like grapes, apples, and wine remain strong, there has been growth in the production and export of other high-value crops, such as avocados, berries and cherries,” she said. “These products have gained popularity in global markets, contributing to the industry’s growth.”

New season outlook

In an Aug. 20 report, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service reported Chile’s cherry production in marketing year 2024-25 is estimated to reach 500,000 metric tons, a 6.8% increase over marketing year 2023-24.

There is a high demand for Chilean cherries from the Chinese market, which receives over 91% of Chilean cherry export volume, the report said. The USDA report said Chilean cherry exports are forecast to increase by 7.6% in 2024-25, reaching 445,000 metric tons.

For the upcoming 2024-25 marketing season, the USDA report forecasts Chilean nectarine and peach production to total 173,000 metric tons, a 0.6% increase over the previous year. Peach and nectarine exports are forecast to increase by 0.8% in 2024-25, totaling 116,000 metric tons.

China is the top market for Chilean nectarines and peaches as well, though the USDA said the U.S. remains a competitive market for Chilean stone fruit exports and maintains as a market as part of the diversification in Chilean export portfolios.

Fair Food Program, Chilean delegation take step in international expansion

Thu, 04 May 2023 20:14:47 GMT

The latest estimates show forced labor has increased significantly throughout the world in the last five years, according to the United Nations’ International Labor Organization. Even with the existence of many human rights and equitable farm labor organizations and programs, a pressing need remains to do more to protect the farmworkers planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables.

One organization working toward a prevention-based solution in global food supply chains is the Fair Food Program. The Presidential Medal-winning program developed by the Coalition for Immokalee Workers, a Florida-based human rights organization, has been recognized by law enforcement agencies and human rights advocates in recent years. This year, thanks to a recent grant, FFP is looking beyond the U.S., seeking to expand its model into countries such as Mexico, Chile and South Africa.

In February 2023 the U.S. Department of Labor awarded a $2.5 million grant to the Fair Food Standards Council — the independent third-party monitor of the Fair Food Program — to accelerate the program’s expansion and “promote grassroots, worker-driven social responsibility in agricultural supply chains.”

“The grant from the international arm of the U.S. Department of Labor is a very exciting opportunity for expansion of the Fair Food Program internationally. We have been given a grant to explore the feasibility of expansion in three countries: Chile, South Africa and Mexico,” said Judge Laura Safer Espinoza, the executive director of the Fair Food Standards Council. “And, very excitingly, we have already done our first certifications in Chile, and we are about to do a certification in South Africa.

Related news: HBO’s ‘Last Week Tonight’ with John Oliver spotlights farmworkers’ plight

“We have wonderful partnerships with participating buyers at the top of the food supply chain, in this instance, first Whole Foods and also Compass Group are supporting this international expansion,” Espinoza added. “We also have the support of two participating growers who have operations in these countries.”

In December 2022, cut-flower producer Bloomia became the first agricultural producer to have its Chilean operations certified by the Fair Food Standards Council.

“Why I’m such a big lover of the program is simply because, [number] one – it doesn’t require any other certification; you [don’t] get the feeling that you’re buying your certification,” Bloomia CEO Werner Jansen said. “The other nice thing about the Fair Food Program is that it really gives the employees at the lowest level you can find in the farm a very strong voice to upper management, to make them aware of either any incident that took place or any form of abuse that took place between supervisors, managers or whoever.”

Chilean delegation visits Immokalee, Fla.

To advance the expansion goal, the Fair Food Standards Council and the CIW convened April 24-28 with a Chilean delegation that traveled to southwest Florida with the support of the Labor Department.

The CIW hosted the delegation for meetings that include representatives from:

Chilean agricultural producers, human rights activists and government representatives.
FFP participating buyers, Whole Foods Market and Compass Group.
Participating growers, Sunripe Certified Brands and Bloomia.
Officials from the U.S. State Department and Labor Department.

The meetings were focused largely on efforts to expand the Fair Food Program in Chile’s agricultural industry, with the goal of extending its best-in-class human rights protections to workers, and certifying ethical producers, in that country.

As demonstrated by the recent visit, interest in FFP expansion is already moving far beyond the flower sector, with the potential to transform conditions for many workers.

Chilean blueberry volume forecast down 8% from 2021 season

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 22:52:27 GMT

Shipments of blueberries from Chile have started arriving in the U.S. and will continue through February. Over the course of the 2022-23 winter season, 98,228 tons of fresh blueberries are forecast to ship from Chile, an 8% percent decline from last year, says the Chilean Blueberry Committee and consulting firm, iQonsulting. The decline in volume is due to focusing on quality fruit exports over quantity, according to the group.

“Our No. 1 priority is delivering the highest quality blueberries to our international markets. Planting and exporting the right varieties are key, but the industry is also strengthening logistics through new programs like the Blueberry Express,” Andres Armstrong, executive director of the Chilean Blueberry Committee, said in a news release.

Related news: Naturipe begins Chilean blueberry season with high expectations

New programs are focused on shortening the transit time from Chile to the U.S. to less than two weeks. “It guarantees the maintenance of the cold chain, which is crucial for protecting fruit quality,” Armstrong continued.

The industry anticipates better conditions for the export of fresh blueberries in the upcoming season. Cooler temperatures have enhanced fruit quality, and there has been greater availability of labor for harvesting, packing and logistics operations, factors that made the previous season challenging, according to the release.

In addition to improving logistics, Chilean growers are also planting new blueberry varieties selected for post-harvest staying power, with the goal to land in shopper carts at peak flavor and sweetness.

Related news: Chilean blueberry production predicted stable, but fresh exports may be down

The U.S. continues to be Chile’s main market for fresh blueberries, receiving 54% of total volume, followed by Europe and Asia. Chile ships 75% of all fresh organic blueberries to the U.S. In the 2021/22 season, 22% of all blueberries shipped to the U.S. were organic, and 78% were conventional.

Peak blueberry arrivals to the U.S. from Chile are expected around the last week of December and first week of January with trade promotions expected to start early January and continue through February.

New varieties and logistics issues are part of South American Blueberry Convention agenda

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:43:23 GMT

The second annual South American Blueberry Convention will be held at the Monticello Conference Center in San Francisco de Mostazal, Chile, on April 18.

The event is organized by the International Blueberry Organization and sponsored by ProArandanos from Peru, ABC from Argentina, Upefruy from Uruguay and Aneberries from Mexico, according to a news release. The event seeks to contribute to “collaboration and innovation” in the blueberry industry, the release said.

“The supply of blueberries from the South American region and Mexico dominates the market between October and April, so it is essential to understand the production dynamics and jointly seek to increase demand,” Andrés Armstrong, executive director of the Blueberry Committee of Chile, ASOEX, said in the release.

The convention will challenge the industry to focus on high-quality, new varieties and logistics issues in the production, export and global consumption of the fruit, the release said.

University of Chile agronomist Raúl Olivares, who has been advising on blueberry cultivation for 28 years, will speak about new variety development in Chile, the release said.

“The objective is to address the dynamics that the global development of new blueberry varieties has had in recent years, making it possible to expand the geography of their cultivation and improve the quality of the product at the consumer level,” Olivares said in the release.

Olivares, formerly a production manager in Chile for Driscoll’s Inc., currently works as a private consultant and is supporting the Blueberry Committee of Chile in its New Varieties Validation project, the release said.

The release said Ricardo Barckhahn, managing director of Cool Carriers Chile, will speak about lessons learned with Blueberries Express, a charter service that Chilean blueberry exporters implemented last year for the U.S.

“With the first season of relevant experience, we moved a large volume of blueberries and we want to continue to be present,” Barckhahn said in the release. “We believe that we are an important solution for the industry and we can develop many other synergies between the blueberry industry and us as transport service providers. It is the instance where we can transparently analyze the pros and cons of what is happening in the logistics chain, in the supply chain, and see how all the parties involved can collaborate to move this issue forward.”

Chilean Blueberry Committee lowers export prediction

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 20:42:59 GMT

Representing a 7% decline from the October forecast, the Chilean Blueberry Committee of ASOEX now forecasts exports of 76,500 tons of fresh blueberries in the 2023-24 season.

The Chilean Blueberry Committee of ASOEX said in a news release that the new figure reflects a decrease of 7% compared to the first estimate made in October, and a decrease of 13% from 2022-23, according to a news release.

“This new forecast takes into consideration the effect of the rains during the first two weeks of November, as well as other associated climatic events such as frost and hail,” Andrés Armstrong, executive director of the Chilean Blueberry Committee, said in the release.

Armstrong added that the fruit is developing and progressing similarly to previous seasons, as are weekly exports.

“We’re seeing a pattern similar to the average of recent seasons, which will generate an initial peak of more than 5,000 tons in week 49. Meanwhile, the period of highest volumes, with up to 8,000 tons weekly, will occur between weeks 51-2023 and 03-2024,” he said.

Newly planted varieties comprise 20% of the planted area, and Chilean industry leaders expect that will increase in coming years, Armstrong said in the release.

Industry leaders are focused on renewing varieties and generating more efficient production management and logistical services, Armstrong said.

Related: California berry grower shares outlook for Chilean blueberry season

Armstrong says that, by mid-November, exports of fresh blueberries are 18% greater than last season, and “the inclusion of new varieties and strong decrease of non-recommended varieties are dominating our exports.”

Air shipments are leading growth, Armstrong said.

“Air shipments have led exports to date with 1,422 tons and a growth of 170% compared to the same period last season,” he said. “Maritime shipments are starting to increase, reaching 495 tons, which is 56% less than what was shipped during the same period last season.”

Chilean cherry estimate lowered

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:58:21 GMT

The Chilean Cherry Committee, representing more than 85% of the volume of global Chilean cherry exports, has lowered its estimate of the 2023-24 crop and projected exports.

The committee in late November forecast global exports of 81,477,564 million (11-pound) boxes, a decrease of 14.6% from their first estimate in October, and slightly lower (-1.89%) than last season’s total exports, according to a news release.

“It’s been very challenging for the industry to estimate how volumes have been affected by El Niño,” Claudia Soler, executive director of the Chilean Cherry Committee, said in the release. “Volumes vary from week to week, and the impact of adverse weather conditions, like the latest rains, cannot be immediately understood. We will be sending updated volume estimates as the season progresses.”

Week 51 (Dec. 18-24) remains the peak week for global exports of Chilean cherries, the release said.

“There is strong demand throughout our global markets, so our efforts are focused on shipping the fruit with the quality and condition that the markets expect. Despite the drop in volumes, we are confident that it will be a good season,” Soler said.

Overcoming Chilean produce obstacles

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 19:07:51 GMT

Chilean produce has become a key resource to keep fruit on U.S. retail shelves year-round. Challenges with shipping, plus labor — sound familiar? — have put a dent in export volumes of fresh fruit, but key players are collaborating to resolve the issue, like improving quality and efficiencies, diversifying destination markets, opening ports to cargo ships and prioritizing food supplies at those ports. And then there’s the Blueberry Express: a special charter service for the entire blueberry industry, to run early December through the 2022-23 season, with less than two weeks of transit time to the U.S. market.

Apples and pears

Chilean apple and pear exports were estimated to drop, by 5.2% for apples and 11.5% for pears, partly due to shipping costs and logistics. But Chile commands big market share advantages in 2022 for U.S. imports of apples at 52%. Chile accounts for 18% of U.S. import pear value in 2022.

Avocados

In marketing year 2021-22, Chile produced 57% more avocados than the previous season due to good climatic conditions, according to the USDA. Most, or 89%, of Chile’s avocados are the hass variety. Demand for avocados is strong from both domestic and export markets, pushing prices up the last two years.

Blueberries

The main market for Chilean fresh blueberries is the U.S., with more than 53% of the shipments last season. And the U.S. continues to be Chile’s main market for fresh organic blueberries, with 75% of all organic blueberries shipped to the U.S. This October to February season should feature a different variety mix and lower volume of fresh exports. The 2022-23 season of fresh blueberry exports to the U.S. is expected to be 8% lower than last season. The Chilean Blueberry Committee said the focus was on quality over quantity, as logistics, transportation and labor issues improve.

Cherries

Rabobank analysts say 2022 U.S. cherry imports could reach the highest volume in more than a decade. A November report said U.S. fresh cherry imports rose 50% year-over-year through August, with Chilean imports through that date up 131% compared to same time last year. But all Southern Hemisphere growers face more competition, declining prices and narrowing margins due to higher production costs.

Citrus

The U.S. continues to be the largest market for Chilean citrus exports in the summertime through October. However, the 2022 Chilean citrus crop volume may fall 27% from 2021 because of a late-May frost in Chilean citrus growing regions.

Grapes

Chile accounted for 41% of U.S. import grape value from September 2021 through August 2022, up from 39% for the same period in 2021 but nearly half of its 76% share in 2000, according to the USDA. “We formed the Chilean Table Grape Committee to generate a strategic plan to improve quality and strengthen our competitiveness in international markets,” said Ignacio Caballero, Asociación de Exportadores de Frutas de Chile marketing director. They are focusing on new varieties that can arrive at their destinations in better shape.

Chilean citrus forecast predicts back-to-normal exports

Mon, 15 May 2023 17:46:30 GMT

The Citrus Committee of ASOEX has released its estimate for the 2023 season, projecting global exports of 345,000 tons, according to a news release.

This estimate is a significant increase across all citrus categories from the 2022 season, in which Chile was negatively impacted by climatic factors, logistical issues and rising freight costs. As a result, citrus exports were consequently down by 32% in 2022.

This season, Chilean citrus exports have returned to normal levels, said the release. Export projections for the 2023 season by the Citrus Committee of ASOEX include:

Clementines: 55,000 tons.
Mandarins: 125,000 tons.
Navel oranges: 90,000 tons.
Lemons: 75,000 tons.

The U.S. market can expect to receive fruit with favorable sizing, color and flavor, according to the release. Last season’s rains helped to alleviate the water deficit, especially in the Coquimbo region, so the Citrus Committee anticipates good sizing.

What’s more, the cool autumn nights and warm days have also had a positive impact on color and brix, according to the release.

The season began the week of April 10, 2023, with the first shipments of clementines including oronule, orogrande and clemenule varieties from early orchards in the Coquimbo region. As of the week of May 8, a total of 3,130 tons of clementines have been shipped to the U.S., according to the release.

The U.S. is Chile’s top export market for citrus

During the 2022 season, the following exports accounted for top Chilean citrus exports, according to the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association:

Clementines: Exports reached 42,090 tons, with the U.S. was the main destination market, accounting for 99% of total shipments.
Mandarins: Shipments reached 89,130 tons, with 97% being shipped to the U.S.
Oranges: Chile exported 80,623 tons, with the main destination market the U.S., accounting for 92% of shipments.
Lemons: Shipments totaled 56,260 tons during this past season, and 55% percent of lemons were exported to the U.S., while 38% went to the Far East, 6% to Europe and the remainder were exported to Latin America and Canada.

Chilean citrus growing regions

Chile’s citrus orchards are distributed between the Atacama and O’Higgins regions, with most orchards — totaling 7,549 hectares — located in the Coquimbo region. This is followed by the Metropolitan region with 6,916 hectares and the Valparaíso region with 5,600 hectares.

In terms of citrus categories, mandarins have the largest planted area, with 11,184 hectares, according to the release.

Chile celebrates 20 years of free trade with the U.S.

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 17:27:18 GMT

Chile is celebrating 20 years of free trade with the U.S.

On June 6, 2003, Chile became the sixth country worldwide and the first from South America to have a free trade agreement (FTA) with the U.S. The agreement came into force on Jan.1, 2004, and since 2015, 100% of the bilateral trade enjoys free tariffs.

According to Chile’s government export promotion agency, ProChile, bilateral trade reached $35.4 billion in 2022, representing an annual average growth of 9.2% since 2003.

Chile celebrates two milestones in its relationship with the U.S. in 2023: 200 years of diplomatic relations and 20 years of the FTA, according to a news release from ProChile.

“As a small country, it was a historic milestone for us to sign this FTA,” Ian Frederick, ProChile’s trade commissioner in Los Angeles, said in the release. “It not only gave us access to sell our products in the largest economy in the world, but it also deepened our strategy to develop an open, competitive, and export-oriented economy.”

The U.S. is Chile’s second-largest trade partner, and it’s the biggest market for four export categories: food, nontraditional services, noncopper small- and medium-sized export companies, and women-led export companies, the release said.

Chile was the leading supplier of 51 products for the U.S. market last year, including fresh fruit such as grapes, cherries, oranges and apples; salmon filet; mussels; lithium carbonate; and refined copper, the release said.

Chile’s government aims to help more nontraditional Chilean companies to enter the American market, Frederick said in the release.

“In the last few years, we have launched different soft-landing programs for service industries, including tech, education and health. Chile is the most innovative country in Latin America, and our businesses have developed solutions that can be used in different markets, including the U.S.,” he said.

ProChile will host events in U.S. cities to celebrate the FTA’s 20th anniversary and 200 years of diplomatic relations, including a wine tasting in San Francisco, a cooking demo in New York and a discussion panel with local authorities in Miami, the release said.

U.S. imports of key Chilean fresh produce items in 2022:

Source: USDA

Grapes: $751.6 million.
Berries (excluding strawberries): $416.9 million.
Citrus: $303.6 million.
Cherries: $88.4 million.
Apples: $85.2 million.
Strawberries: $69.5 million.
Peaches: $65.2 million.
Plums: $40.8 million.
Kiwifruit: $40.1 million.
Avocados: $22.6 million.
Pears: $16.5 million.

Chilean grape exporters expect 5% growth this season

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 23:23:14 GMT

Led by newer varieties, Chilean table grape production for the 2023-24 season will grow 5%, according to an industry estimate.

The Table Grape Committee of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) is forecasting 63.8 million 18-pound boxes for the 2023-24 season.

“This projected growth is due primarily to an increase in the production of new varieties, which will represent 63% of Chile’s total fresh grape exports this season, close to 40 million boxes,” ASOEX President Iván Marambio said in a news release.

The estimate is based on information provided by the committee’s member companies, which represent 82% of Chile’s total table grape shipments, according to the release.

“This first estimate clearly reflects the commitment of Chilean producers and exporters to supply their global markets and consumers with the best varieties,” Marambio said. “The committee projects that within the next two years, 70% of grape shipments will consist of new varieties, a big increase from 55% during the 2022-23 season.”

The U.S. continues to be the main destination market for Chilean table grapes, despite challenges that are delaying the approval of the systems approach protocol for exports, the release said.

For the upcoming 2023-24 season, the U.S. is projected to take 56% of overall shipments. Asia and Europe follow with 19% and 16%, respectively.

The committee’s coordinator, Ignacio Caballero, said in the release that green grapes will experience the most growth.

“We expect an increase of 16% in green grape volume over the previous season, with impressive increases in Sweet Globe, Autumn Crisp and Arra 15 varieties,” he said.

Exports of green grape varieties are projected to reach 22.9 million boxes, of which 74.4% will be new varieties, the release said.

Shipments of red varieties are expected to exceed 24.9 million boxes, of which 74.1% will correspond to new varieties, according to the release. Timco, Allison and Sweet Celebration are some of the main standouts among the red varieties, the release said.

As for black grapes, exports will be around 6 million boxes, with 76.5% new varieties, including Sable Seedless, Sweet Favors and Sweet Sapphire, the committee said in the release.

The first shipments of Chilean grapes are scheduled for mid-November.

Chilean grape exporters look for big increase in production and exports

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:29:50 GMT

Chilean table grape production will jump by nearly 15% in the 2023-24 marketing year, a new report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service says.

The annual report on Chile’s deciduous crops estimates abundant rainfall and good yields will allow Chilean table grape production in marketing year 2023-24 to increase 13.6% to 740,000 metric tons.

In the same way, Chilean grape export volume is expected to rise by 13.5% to 564,000 metric tons, the report said.

Chilean apple production in marketing year 2023-24 is forecast to decrease by 1.5% to 897,000 metric tons due to a reduction in area planted, according to the report. Apple exports also are projected to decrease by 1.9% to 510,000 metric tons, the USDA projects.

Chilean pear production in marketing year 2023-24 is estimated to fall by 4.8% to 200,000 metric tons due to a decrease in area planted, the report said, and pear exports are forecast to decrease by 4.5% to 105,000 metric tons.

Grape surge

The positive outlook for grapes is the result of abundant rainfall during the winter and overall favorable climatic conditions, according to the report.

Despite better yields this year, the report said table grape area planted is trending downward over time because of long-term tight margins for producers.

“Area planted decreased from 133,068 acres in marketing year 2011-12 to 106,317 acres in marketing year 2022-23,” the report said. “Increasing international competition and low prices for traditional varieties such as crimson, flame, and red globe has put pressure on smaller table grape exporters, many of which eventually exited the market.”

The USDA said Chilean table grape area planted in the Metropolitana region (the regions that include Chile’s capital, Santiago, along with parts of the Andes Mountains and Chilean Coastal Range) decreased by 14.1% over the last three marketing years, generally replanted with more profitable crops such as walnuts, cherries and citrus.

The report said the Atacama and Coquimbo regions remain the most threatened of Chile’s grape producing areas, with declining acreage related to high production costs and low global grape prices.

“In recent years, the costs of labor, transportation, and agrochemicals have increased dramatically, while producers struggle to compete with the prices offered by Peruvian and other regional suppliers,” the report said.

On the trade front, the USDA noted that Chile seeks a systems approach to improve market access to the U.S. for three Chilean growing regions: Atacama, Coquimbo and Valparaiso.

“A systems approach would benefit the three Chilean regions by avoiding the use of methyl bromide fumigation to mitigate against European grapevine moth,” the report said. Fumigation decreases the quality and shelf life of the fruit, which results in lower prices from retailers. In addition, fumigated product is ineligible to be certified USDA organic.

“Notably, two of the three regions that will benefit most from the systems approach are those that have few options to table grape production and are also now seeing large decreases in area planted,” the report said. USDA published a proposed rule to allow the grape systems approach on Oct. 17, 2022. The comment period ended on Jan. 17, 2023, and publication of the final rule is currently pending.

The U.S. is the main market for Chilean table grape exports, accounting for about 50% of Chile’s grape exports in 2022-23.

However, the report said Chilean table grape exporters are facing challenges in the U.S. market due to the demand for new table grape varieties and increasing competition with Peruvian table grape exports.

China is the second biggest export market, taking about 12% of Chile’s grape exports in 2022-23.

“The shipping distance from Chile to China remains the biggest challenge for Chilean table grape exports to that market,” the report said, noting transit times of three to four weeks.

Chilean stone fruit committee forecasts a 15% increase in volume

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 18:57:50 GMT

Chilean stone fruit growers and exporters believe that total overall exports will reach 35.3 million boxes in 2023-24, an increase of 15% over last season.

The Frutas de Chile Stone Fruit Committee has released a new estimate (including nectarines, Japanese plums, European plums and peaches), compiled with input from 44 companies, representing 84% of Chile’s global stone fruit exports last season, according to a news release.

The committee just launched a retail-focused marketing campaign in the U.S., working with retailers nationwide to drive sales of nectarines and plums, according to the release.

“There are significant opportunities for retailers to build winter stone fruit sales,” Karen Brux, North America managing director of Frutas de Chile, said in the release. “We’re developing in-store radio ads, demo programs, digital coupons, online videos, and other tactics to showcase nectarines and plums’ great flavor and nutrition.”

Promotions are ongoing and will continue into April, the release said.

Estimates for specific categories are as follows, according to the release:

Nectarines — 11.5 million 8-kilogram boxes; 13% growth from last season. The committee noted strong growth in white-flesh nectarines; projected increase of 26%, representing 60% of total nectarine volume.
Yellow-flesh nectarine volume is expected to decline by 2%, and now accounts for 40% of total nectarine volume, the committee said.
Japanese Plums: 13 million 7-kilogram equivalent boxes; 16% growth from last season.
Red plums are expected to grow by 7% and black plums by 15%, according to the committee.
European Plums/Sugar Plums/D’Agen (exported primarily to Asia) — 8 million 9-kilogram boxes; 23% growth from last season.
Peaches — 2.8 million 8-kilogram boxes, a decrease of 1% compared to last season.

Chilean Citrus Committee forecasts decrease in volume

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 12:59:55 GMT

The Chilean Citrus Committee estimates that global citrus exports from Chile will reach 383,000 tons this season, a 4% decline from 2023.

Figures provided by the committee project clementine and mandarin volumes will decline by 35% and 9%, respectively. Oranges will decrease by 2%, with lemons increasing by 33%.

The committee forecasts clementine volume of 40,000 tons, which is 35% less than the 2023 season.

“This is a result of water restrictions in the main clementine-producing areas of the Coquimbo region,” Monserrat Valenzuela, manager of the citrus committee, said in in a news release. Of the 9,800 hectares of clementines planted in Chile, 70% of them are concentrated in that region, the release said.

Meanwhile, mandarin volume is expected to reach 160,000 tons, a decrease of 9% from last year. Orange volume will be similar to 2023, with a 2% decrease to 93,000 tons. The only category with anticipated growth is lemons, which is expected to grow by 33% to 90,000 tons.

“We are building an industry better adapted to climate change, with a strategy aimed at facing new production challenges, and with a focus on more sustainable production,” Juan Ortúzar, president of the citrus committee, said in the release.

There are more than 68,000 acres of citrus orchards in Chile, distributed between the Atacama and O’Higgins regions, the release said. The Metropolitan Region has the largest planted area, reaching about 21,000 acres. As for the total planted area, lemons lead with 22,700 acres hectares nationwide, followed by mandarins with 19,200 hectares and oranges with 16,300 acres.

Citrus promotions in the U.S. will commence in June and continue through October, according to the release.

Chilean Citrus Committee releases revised forecast

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:40:33 GMT

Following the recent frosts and rains in Chile, the Citrus Committee of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) has revised its export projections for the 2023-24 season.

The committee estimates that Chile will export 348,000 tons of citrus, 30% more than last year, but 3% lower than the previous estimate made in May 2023, according to a news release.

“The frost damage to citrus was quite limited, but there are some sectors of orchards that suffered damage, mainly in the O’Higgins region,” Juan Enrique Ortúzar, president of the Chilean Citrus Committee, said in the release. “Even though harvesting had to be stopped for a few days, we now have a guarantee of some water supply for this winter when irrigation canals must be cleaned. There were some orchards that suffered flooding because they were in low-lying areas, but nothing major.”

The first estimates this April indicated an export volume for clementines of 55,000 tons, 125,000 tons for mandarins, 95,000 tons for oranges and 75,000 tons for lemons, the release said. In May, the mandarin volume estimate was updated to 135,000 tons. The latest projection indicates a small increase in clementine volume to 58,000 tons and a decrease for mandarins to 125,000 tons. The orange estimate remains unchanged, while lemons have decreased to 70,000 tons, the release said.

Monserrat Valenzuela, manager of the Chilean Citrus Committee, said in the release that the estimated volumes will always have some fluctuations due to external factors such as weather, freight costs, logistics and market issues. The citrus committee is committed to updating estimates throughout the season, she said in the release.

The committee has a work plan (frost action manual) to prevent the export of frost-damaged fruit, according to the release. This includes the installation of thermographs in the orchards and the temporary suspension of harvesting in the affected orchards or sectors until the fruit is checked and it is confirmed that it complies with the corresponding export tolerances, Valenzuela said in the release.

Through the week of June 19, clementine exports had reached 51,474 tons, which is 76% more than the same period of the 2022 season. Mandarin shipments are just starting, with 59 tons exported so far this season, the release said. Chile has shipped 11,014 tons of oranges, 45% more than the same period last season. Lemons are the only category with a slight decrease in season-to-date shipments, with an exported volume of 14,287 tons, a 5% decrease from last year.

Strong Chilean cherry season expected

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 13:56:31 GMT

While holiday promotions might have consumers thinking about winter, growers and exporters in the Southern Hemisphere are gearing up for summer fruit season.

Cherries and blueberries lead off the season, followed by plums, nectarines, peaches and grapes.

Chile exported its first sweet cherries of the season — about 380 cartons — in mid-October, said Karen Brux, managing director of the Redwood City, Calif.-based Chilean Fresh Fruit Association. Cherries account for about 27% of Chile’s fresh fruit exports, which makes the country the world’s largest cherry exporter, according to Brux.

While the majority of the exported cherries will ship to China, the U.S. is Chile’s second-largest market.

“I don’t think any country in the Southern Hemisphere exports the range of summer fruits available from Chile,” Brux said. “With our counter-seasonal supply, we enable consumers to enjoy their favorite summer fruits in the winter.”

Juan Gonzalez Pita, chief operating officer at Salix Fruits, a Philadelphia-based importer and exporter of fresh fruits, said what helps bolster Chile’s exports is its proximity to the U.S.

Mario Flores, director of blueberry product management for Naturipe, said he expects a good season.

“The season is shaping up well, with a promising blueberry crop forecast. We’re expecting strong volumes, which will support us through the U.S. winter and carry us into February,” he said. “This year’s crop is looking to be stronger than we’ve seen over the past few years. It’ll be a strong year of growth in our organic blueberry program.”

Flores said Chile’s diverse growing regions bolster the country’s ability to grow and export an extensive portfolio of fruit.

“From how the country is shaped, it benefits from multiple climates and microclimates,” he said. “This allows for the cultivation of a wide range of varieties, each thriving in its ideal conditions. As a result, Chile can produce high-quality summer fruit over an extended period, ensuring consistent supply throughout the winter months in the U.S.”

Crop estimates

Brux said the first Chilean blueberry estimate is about 135,501 tons, up about 3.2% over last season; 80,501 in fresh, down about 6.7% from last season; and 55,000 in frozen, up 22.2% over last season.

“The decrease of almost 7% in fresh blueberry exports reflects the varietal replacement taking place within the industry, which will allow us to deliver better fresh blueberries to the markets,” she said. “We expect the percentage of new varieties in this season’s shipments to increase by 26%, surpassing 16,000 tons.”

Flores said proprietary varieties from Naturipe are helping to fuel this growth.

“These varieties are firmer, bigger and sweeter,” he said. “These improved berries result in less waste, due to high-quality product, and ensure our berries can continue to be grown in a way that is safe for growers, consumers and the environment.”

Brux said the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association expects record cherry exports this year, with volumes increasing by 50%, to exceed 120 million boxes.

“Mother Nature has delivered favorable weather conditions, including sufficient chilling hours and little rain, and we’re expecting a great season,” Brux said.

She said retailers can expect ample cherry volumes from December through February, and the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association will partner with 30 retail chains this year to help promote Chilean cherries.

The first table grape estimates from the Chilean Table Grape Committee show a 2.4% increase in exports this season, or about 66,006,178 boxes. Brux said new varieties will make up about 65% of table grape exports — about 42,866,374 boxes.

“This is the second consecutive season the committee expects growth in table grape shipments,” she said. “A larger supply of new varieties is key for the Chilean table grape industry since consumers are looking for grapes that are flavorful, firm and crunchy.”

Gonzalez Pita said growers in the country have cut table grape production in half in the past 15 years, which impacts availability and then impacts future demand.

“Of course, everything that is lacking now will be short in the future, so returns will be good and people will grow them again, starting the never-ending story,” he said. “Now grape production has stabilized around 60-65 million [boxes], so that would mean better returns to the growers that will end up in new orchards with newer varieties.”

Brux said nearly 60% of Chilean table grapes are destined for the U.S., and she said this season will be the first time that table grapes will be shipped under the Systems Approach protocol.

“This will allow the shipment of table grapes from the Tarapacá, Coquimbo, and parts of Valparaíso regions without the need for fumigation,” Brux said.

Marketing

Flores said consumers continue to drive interest in organics.

“There is consistently strong demand for both organic and conventional blueberries during this time of year, with growing consumer demand for organic options,” he said. “Chile holds a strategic advantage in meeting this demand, as its growing conditions align well with the U.S. market’s need for organic fruit in January and February.”

He said retailers should empathize the seasonality of these Chilean blueberries to help drive sales.

“Retailers can highlight seasonality, freshness and emphasize the ‘limited time’ availability of Chilean summer fruit,” he said. “This can help boost visibility and drive strong sales throughout the winter season.”

Brux said the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association launched its Frutas de Chile brand this year at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta. Brux said the association has marketing funds to help retailers with the marketing and merchandising of Chilean fruit.

“There are substantial growth opportunities for this category, and we are greatly increasing our marketing investment in the U.S. in order to support retailers and build awareness/demand among consumers,” she said. “Cherry marketing support will be especially robust, and we are currently working on everything from bin and demo programs to targeted online advertising on retail websites.”

Duda’s Southern Hemisphere citrus season begins

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:40:27 GMT

Duda Farm Fresh Foods , Oviedo, Fla., is starting its South American citrus import program.

It’s the 18th season Duda has offered imported citrus, with supplies arriving through October.

The citrus, marketed under the Dandy label, is from Chile, Peru and Uruguay, according to a news release. Varieties include clementines , lemons , navel oranges , and cara cara oranges. Clementines this season a high sugar-to-acid ratio, according to Duda.

“Through the years, we’ve maintained relationships with trusted growers in the Southern Hemisphere to ensure quality fruit each summer,” Alberto Cuellar, vice president of global business, said in the release. “As we’ve seen an uptick in citrus demand due to COVID-19, we are continuing to meet consumer needs through our import citrus program as the domestic market comes to an end.”

Duda Farm Fresh Foods uses social media, consumer e-mails, influencers and public relations campaigns to promote citrus, along with a citrus recipe contest in the summer. This summer, the company also has a summer promotion to increase foot traffic at retail stores.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring premium citrus to consumers during domestic off months, allowing them to enjoy the refreshing fruit year-round,” Mark Bassetti, senior vice president, said in the release.

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Duda imports citrus for the 17th season

Duda adds Dandy brand cara caras this summer