The Chilean Kiwifruit Committee is anticipating a 10-15 per cent increase in exports this season to around 200,000 tonnes, according to a report by SimFRUIT.
Last season the committee’s members exported 180,000 tonnes of kiwifruit and this year the association expects volume to reach a little more than 205,000 tonnes, revealed general manager Carlos Cruzat.
Cruzat said Chilean kiwifruit is growing in many markets around the world thanks to the growth in volume and effort to diversify exports.
In particular, the committee said it is trying to grow the presence of Chilean kiwifruit in Asia where the fruit has “great potential”.
“China is seeing important volume but the problem is that the logistics chain has to have the capacity to absorb the volume of fruit and market it at a good price,' Cruzat explained. “Otherwise, a large volume can stack up and prices fall.”
Cruzat also revealed that Chile has grown its volume to Korea by 80 per cent in the last year, adding that demand is also growing in Japan.
In the US, Cruzat said exports are more or less stable, while Europe is seeing a decline in volume although the fruit is being better distributed within the region and reaching markets such as the Middle East.
