Chile has been conspicuous in its success in the global marketplace in the last 10 years due to the healthy competition that exists among its exporters, according to Chilean Exporters’ Association chairman Ronald Bown.
However, the ability of those exporters to work together towards common goals has also played a significant role, and is being stepped up to meet the demands of the international customer network. “Competition is the reason we have achieved what we have as an industry, but we have also been able to co-ordinate as an industry to form a very clear view of the best routes to market, the best ways forward and what are the best varieties. The recognition that we must wok together has created an extremely solid industry infrastructure and enabled us to overcome some complex situations.”
Bown, who said that after a below par season in 2004-5, his members were looking for a much better performance in the export campaign just started, said that an increasing level of internal investment illustrates the confidence growers and exporters have in the future of the Chilean industry. “Chilean producers are investing more themselves and it is not just the biggest exporters, but also the smaller and medium sized companies that have recognised the need to invest in their futures, particularly those involved in expanding sectors such as avocados and berries.”
