«Chile is one of the largest exporters of fresh fruit globally, standing out in the southern hemisphere. Its portfolio includes table grapes, apples, cherries, plums, kiwis and blueberries. Chile's climate allows for quality fruit with good colour and flavour. This natural advantage has contributed to the country's positioning in international markets, although access to these markets is not without difficulties,» explains Iván Marambio, president of Frutas de Chile.

Chilean fruit exports are distributed between Asia (30%), North America (30%), Europe (20%) and Latin America (20%). However, the distance to key markets, such as China, represents a challenge. “China is a priority destination, but transport times impact the quality of the product,” says Marambio.

To reduce these times, solutions such as the Cherry Express have been developed, which transports cherries in 21 days instead of the usual 30. Even so, incidents such as the recent crisis of a stranded cargo ship, which affected 1.300 containers of fruit, reflect the vulnerability of the sector. “It is a complex situation that affects many producers. Uncertainty about insurance coverage and possible compensation adds pressure to exporters, who depend on these mechanisms to mitigate losses and maintain the financial stability of the sector,” says Marambio.

The prolonged drought has forced producers to adopt water efficiency measures. “Responsible use of water is essential, along with crop protection techniques against frost and heat waves,” Marambio points out.

Another crucial aspect is the improvement in the fruit packaging and selection processes to ensure consistent quality. “Advanced technology has been implemented to ensure that each box of cherries meets international standards,” adds the executive.

The fruit sector has a significant impact on the local economy. According to estimates, it represents between 2% and 3% of the country's GDP. "The opening of new markets and commercial stability will be determining factors for the growth of the sector," says Marambio.

In terms of consumption trends, there is an increase in demand for sweeter and crunchier varieties. In addition, the fruit is highly used, with minimal waste generation.

Frutas de Chile, which brings together more than 300 companies and has a 90-year history, continues to work on strategies to strengthen the presence of exports in key markets and face the challenges affecting the industry. "The challenge is to continue ensuring that the fruit reaches consumers in optimal conditions," Marambio concludes.