Chilean blueberries seek to expand their consumption in their first mission to India and Dubai
The mission seeks to establish supply agreements after the recent opening of the Indian market for Chilean blueberries. While in Dubai, the objective is to visualize opportunities for the diversification of markets for this superfruit from Chile.
The Committee of Cranberries of Chile, entity to the eaves of the Association of Exporters of Fruits of Chile AG (ASOEX), and ProChile, organized the first mission of the industry of blueberries to India and Dubai, which precedes the participation of the industry Chilean export fruit in Asia Fruit Logistics Hong Kong 2017.
Between the 30 in August and 4 in September, representatives of the Committee will travel through Dubai, New Delhi and Mumbai, where he will hold important meetings with potential buyers and providers of logistics services in order to promote the growth of fresh Chilean blueberries, supported also for a promotion program.
The penetration of fresh blueberries in the homes of India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is low, therefore, the Chilean blueberry industry seeks to enhance its presence, and consumption, especially after the opportunity that arises after the signing of the agreement, last April, that allowed the entry of blueberries under inspection and Chilean avocados under Systems Approach, avoiding other processes such as fumigation.
Andrés Armstrong, Executive Director of the Chilean Blueberry Committee, will lead the delegation that includes the participation of representatives of seven producing-exporting companies of this fruit. «The main objective is to generate new contacts with importers, distributors and retail chains, as well as inform and materialize the opening agreement with India"Armstrong noted.
«This type of mission is precisely one of the reasons why the Committee exists«emphasized the leader.
The representative added: "The Committee works to open new markets, diversify channels and deliver greater opportunities to exporters. During the trip we will increase the knowledge about the blueberries of Chile, and their characteristics and availability«explained the Executive Director.
The Mission: Messages
The delegation will establish B2B meetings with importers, distributors and retailers, as well as visit major wholesale markets, retail chains, ports and logistics platforms in both India and Dubai.
It is highlighted that a commercial seminar will be held in India, which will be organized by representatives of the local offices of ProChile in India, with the objective of highlighting among buyers the benefits, opportunities, and challenges of buying Chilean blueberries.
The trade mission will focus on communicating three key messages, clarified Charif Christian Carvajal, ASOEX marketing director for Europe and Asia. «First, the supply of Chilean blueberries is from October to March, which complements the current programs of blueberries imported by India and Dubai, mainly from the United States and Canada.«explained the marketing expert.
«Second, Chile is a country with a long history as an exporter of fruits. It complies with the norms of each market and the requirements of the consumers, which has meant that today it is the main exporter of blueberries of the world"He added.
A third aspect highlighted by Carvajal was the industry's commitment to emerging markets, such as India and Dubai, «where we see that blueberries are not a traditional product and will require promotional campaigns at the point of sale in retail and the Foodservice sector, which will help our importers and distributors to boost sales«, he pointed out.
The delegation will also highlight the new varieties of cranberry that are being produced by most Chilean producers, which have greater firmness and post-harvest, offering a sweet experience of consumption.
India: A large market
India represents a mega market of 1,3 billions of people, and a growing economy that has benefited the expansion of the middle class, in addition to developing retail and the Foodservice industry.
These characteristics make it an important market to diversify Chile's fruit export offer. «India has not been a priority market for our blueberries because we did not have access. Now we have the green light to export to India, and we hope to send the first blueberries this new season 2017-2018"Armstrong explained.
This positive vision is shared by Carolina Vásquez, Director of ProChile in New Delhi. «Consumers, both in rural and urban areas of India, continue to prefer fresh products. In the specific case of berries, and blueberries in particular, we see great opportunities for growth in the medium term, since it is new fruit within this market«.
However, to the potential of India as a destination for fresh national blueberries, Vasquez stresses that there are challenges to face, particularly regarding cold chain logistics.
«Until a few years ago, deficiencies were evident in the cold chain. But since then the sector has taken stock of the situation, and has devoted more and more efforts to find alternatives and improvements"said the professional.
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates represents a market of 9.2 million people, and continues to present a potential for fresh Chilean fruit, especially considering that it is a market that depend on the importation of food, mainly fresh fruits. A market that also offers a potential would add also given by tourism, with 15.2 million the 2016, figure that will increase up to 20 million in 2020.
Dubai, the financial and business capital of the UAE, is a key re-export centre, becoming a gateway to the entire Middle East, as well as India and Pakistan, giving access to 200 million Muslims. «Chile has more than 25 years of experience in exporting fresh fruit to the UAE«explained Sharif Chacoff, Commercial Attaché of ProChile in the United Arab Emirates.
Chacoff added: "The trade has a value of more than US $ 93 million and has grown an annual 4% in the last 10 years. Only in 2016, Chilean fruit exports to the United Arab Emirates increased by 12%. However, there are still important logistical challenges to overcome, since, due to the absence of direct shipping routes, shipments from Chile take between 40 and 45 days, which limits the species and varieties that can reach this region.«.
The representative of ProChile in the UAE commented that «the consolidation of maritime cargo on charter boats could be a solution; Shortening the transit time in 10 days. Regarding air transport, the implementation of a route in Chile by Qatar Airways, scheduled for January of 2018, will benefit cherries, and berries in general«.
Source: SimFRUIT
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