Cherries are the most prominent product of the season from Chile, and China continues to be the main purchaser.
Jorge Valenzuela, president of the Federation of Fruit Producers of Chile (Fedefruta), told MundoMaritimo, a Chilean news agency, that “Cherry is the star product to lead Chile’s exports. The grape is in the process of changes, but its sale is assured, and exports of nuts has increased in volume and value by 34%”.
During an exhibition at the 144th session of Fovolap, Valenzuela discussed the fruit export situation, evaluated the results of 2019, and spoke about expectations for the next year. He said his group’s evaluation is positive this year and that China would remain the main buyer of the sector in 2020.
In addition to thanking the management of the ports by the Livestock and Customs Agricultural Service for port operation and exports in its current context, Valenzuela said Fedefruta’s biggest worry is the logistics.
Valenzuela reports that fresh fruit exports decreased by 4.8% in volume and 1.2% in value and mentions that blueberries play an important role in their projections for 2020.
Valenzuela also said the drought in the region remains a concern.
“It is as much or more serious than the social situation,” he said. “It is an issue that we have long noticed. It can be catastrophic with lack of investment and vision. We have told the ministers. This is a social crisis in the field that comes from the supply of water.”
He goes on to further emphasize that if the drought continues into 2020, it could affect the size of the fruits, as fruits are 90% water.
