Oversupply pushes prices down, but outlook expected to improve by April
Logistical challenges and strong international competition make for a challenging scenario for Chilean table grape exporters in 2024/25. But the market for late season fruit is expected to significantly improve, according to a report in Portal Agro Chile.
In the US – Chile’s main market – fears of a port strike led to the pre-emptive build-up of 8mn cartons at the start of this year. Together with strong shipments from Peru, South Africa and India to the US and Europe, the markets became during February, pushing prices down.
However, prices are expected to rebound in April due to a reduction in arrivals in the US and better management of supply and demand.
Official estimates point to Chile having an export crop of around 66mn cartons, 2.3 per cent more than in 2023/24. By week 6 of the current season, exports had already totalled 14mn cartons.
Carla Carmona of Trading Logistics Management (TLM) said this was driven by the implementation of the System Approach in the regions of Atacama, Coquimbo and Valparaíso, which has allowed for more efficient delivery of fruit to destination markets.
Víctor Muñoz, manager of the Regional Strategic Programme (PER) Sustainable Fruit Growing of Corfo, said the key to successfully managing the current challenging scenario is efficiency and sustainability. “Adapting to the new demands of international markets, productive diversity and efficient management of the supply chain will be crucial to maintaining the competitiveness of the sector,” he told Portal Agro Chile.
Carmona added: “It is expected that, by April 2025, prices may rebound due to a stabilisation in arrival volumes and better management of supply and demand. This could benefit Chile with its late fruit. The industry must be attentive to these developments and adjust strategies to ensure a more balanced and profitable season”.
