Despite the global financial crisis, Chile's presence at Fruit Logistica keeps getting bigger and Chilean exporters' association Asoex celebrated its 75th anniversary at the show this year.
Christian Carvajal of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association said: “We have been exhibiting at Fruit Logistica for nine years and our exhibition stand grows in size every year. We now have 240sqm of exhibition space. The products we sell on the global market are characterised by our exceptionally rigorous quality assurance programme. Retailers and consumers can choose from 75 different fruit varieties, including kiwis and blueberries.
"At Fruit Logistica, we can establish, renew and maintain a lot of business contacts. It is the most important trade fair for the fruit trade.”
Chairman of Asoex, Ronald Bown, told freshinfo: “We have been exporting fruit from Chile for more than 80 years and now we are facing some challenges - issues like certification of agricultural practices, tracking our carbon footprint and emissions, and the economic crisis.
“Also the weakness of the dollar has hit us really hard, but there are manners in which to compensate. We are encouraging the industry to be proactive and we are trying to get a better fruit for the growers’ fruit. We are also working very hard on improving the skills and training of our agricultural workers and both the new berry and kiwifruit committees will be instrumental in this.”
