The Chilean Fruit Exporter’s Association (Asoex) has reported that total Chilean fresh fruit exports through to the end of January reached 498,891 tonnes, a 1.7 per cent increase on the 490,315 tonnes exported at the same time last season.
The results have been achieved despite reduced export volume for stonefruit and blueberries following last September’s freeze, as well as the recent three-week strike at the port of San Antonio.
Ronald Bown, president of Asoex, highlighted the commitment of key stakeholders in Chile's fresh fruit industry as playing a pivotal role in driving the season forward.
“This has been an incredibly challenging season for us, but the hard work and dedication of both our exporters and the ports of Valparaiso and Coquimbo, who weren't involved in the recent strike, have resulted in a strong, ongoing flow of supply to our export markets,' he explained. “We understand the impact of the strike on our international image, and will work even more diligently to demonstrate to importers and retailers across the globe that Chile remains a reliable supplier of quality fresh fruit.”
Asoex reported that exports would continue during the normal shipping timeframe, with trade marketing support available in all key markets.
Chile exported over 2.6m tonnes of fruit in 2012/13.
