Chile exports of frozen raspberries

The world summit of the processed raspberry producing countries agreed on propelling the promotion to increase consumption and therefore take precautions on productive increases in the future. The market is active this season and no drastic changes are expected on the offer.

Celso Quinteros, from Pelarco and Luis Jiménez, from Coihueco, two small raspberry producers represent the sustainability that small producers have in the raspberry producing industry. The red fruit, in which Chile is specialized and this season 60,000 tons will be produced and about US$ 180 million are exported, from which 52,000 are frozen (US$120 million).

According to the daily newspaper "el Mercurio", "the estimate for 2010 is to export 52,000 tons of frozen product, the biggest number in history, from a national total of 60,000 tons that were produced.

Some 5,600 tons correspond to juices and other 668 tons will go as fresh product. The exported total is estimated to reach 160 million dollars. In frozen fruit it will reach US$120 million. This numbers will keep increasing in the next years, but not as exponentially. The main market for Chile is the United States which takes 33% of the exported production.

As for the challenges, the impact of climate change will force relocation of the planted areas to the south, using new varieties adapted to new climates and industrial needs. As this production is from small producers, the challenge is to minimize the sanitary risks. Another challenge is to add value to the products, since there's a lot of exporting in bukl, in 10 kg boxes in containers. It has to change to packed fruit, retail ready, of 500 or 800 grams, with the supermarket or client's brand, making the most of the gained trust", said Antonio Domínguez, President of Nevada Export and director for Chilealimentos.

Author: Carlo Braga

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