Production of Chilean kiwifruit is forecast to reach some 300,000 tonnes by 2015, according to Ricardo González, chairman of the Chilean Kiwifruit Committee and deputy marketing manager at Copefrut.
Speaking at Fedefruta’s 23rd National Fruit Producers Convention, held last week in Santiago, Chile, Mr González explained that global kiwifruit production has risen by 50 per cent, adding that the progressive trend is set to continue growing, according to a report by SimFRUIT.
According to Mr González, planted area with kiwifruit in Chile has risen from 8,000ha to 13,400, boosting output from 120,000 tonnes to more than 180,000 tonnes.
And within the next five years, production is expected to expand further, with volume set to reach 300,000 tonnes.
Meanwhile, other kiwifruit-producing countries like New Zealand, Italy and China have also increased their volumes.
Market-wise, Mr González stressed that retailers are becoming ever more demanding regarding better quality at lower prices, more promotions, more food safety certification – all of which mean increased costs for producers rather than higher fruit prices.
Looking forward, Mr González said Chile must concentrate on uniformity, consistency, research and especially innovation in terms of the development and introduction of new varieties in order to boost supply and open up new markets.
Chilean kiwifruit is mainly destined for Europe, where markets absorb 68.8 per cent of the crop each season.
