Chile exported approximately 138,892 tonnes (16.9m 8.2kg cartons) of grapes to Asian markets in the 2020/21 season, a 16 per cent decline in volume compared to last year, according to the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (Asoex).
Despite the decline, the industry remains positive of the potential Asia has to offer, with volumes sent to South-East Asian markets showing promising signs of growth.
Indonesia represents the third largest destination for Chilean grape exports in Asia, and exports this season increased considerably.
Asoex reports Indonesia received 1.1m cartons (9,484 tonnes) of Chilean grapes, representing an increase of 356 per cent compared to the 2019/2020 financial year.
Red Globe is the main variety sent to Indonesia, accounting for 90 per cent of the the total volume of grapes exported, followed by Autumn Royal, which totalled 9 per cent.
Meanwhile, shipments to Malaysia reached 250,172 cartons (2,051 tonnes), representing a growth of 31.2 per cent.
Red Globe was again the main variety shipped to Malaysia, making up 53 per cent of total shipments, with Autumn Royal the second most popular, accounting for 38.5 per cent.
Rounding out the remaining exports, Thailand received 200,706 cartons (1,645 tonnes) and an increase of 2.67 per cent compared to last season. Vietnam imported 126,617 cartons (1,038 tonnes) for an increase of 16.8 per cent, while Singapore registered shipments of 17,308 cartons (141 tonnes), an increase of 202 per cent, albeit from a low base.
