Quality certification service provider Decofrut is considering opening a new office in Thailand to certify Chilean arrivals in the country as the level of interest in Chilean grapes continues to climb across South East Asian markets.
The company already operates regional offices in Hong Kong, China, Korea and Taiwan. “Together with Indonesia and Malaysia, Thailand has seen a steady increase in Chilean grape imports,” said Decofrut president Manuel Alcaino.
According to Alcaino, Chile’s grape output is expected to be down by around 15 per cent this season. While early production in the north of the country was hardly affected by last September’s freeze, the cold snap, coupled with general water shortages, means volumes are expected to be down by 25 per cent in Region IV.
Later producing areas in the south of the country are set to see an early end to the season as a result of the freeze, Alcaino said.
