There are nearly 38,000 hectares of walnut trees in Chile. Only 38% of them are old enough for full production; 13% is in formation (0-2 years), 24% is in early production (3 to 5 years) and 25% is increasing production. "This is of particular concern to Chilenut, the Association of Nut Producers and Exporters, for the future production and exports. 37% of the crops are between 0 and 5 years old and everything indicates that, in the medium term, producers will continue planting at a rate in which they will at least replace old orchards. Thus, we expect to surpass the 100,000 tons in exports by 2020," said Juan Luis Vial, president of Chilenut.
Vial also stated, "we must anticipate a scenario that is going to be different and more competitive than in previous years. Higher yields will consolidate Chile as the second largest exporter of nuts in the world, which in the long run should be a great opportunity for our country to strengthen its existing markets and to find new destinations. Indeed, we face a scenario of greater competition that will force us to innovate and meet challenges in technological and commercial matters; given our recent experiences, I'm sure we'll do it successfully."
Vial added that, "one of the keys to project business is to show the reality of our country directly. This is something that we have done via ExpoNut, a prestigious and large international window that should become a world-class event in the future to attract consumers, industrialists, investors and technological progress for the country. "
The president of Chilenut called producers, exporters, and the supply chain so that they participate in this year's version of ExpoNut, which will be held in CasaPiedra on April 26. According to the leader, "we are all responsible of what we do with this industry, our organization acts as a facilitator so that no link is left missing." Vial said that two international experts and five recognized Chilean professionals would attend Exponut and that they would speak about the sector's current situation and prospects in various fields, including technical, commercial, and climate issues, as well as new varieties that are marking trends abroad. Sector authorities, such as the Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Furche, will also attend the fair, which also deals in products, services, and machinery for the sector.
Star guests
The recent opening of the Chinese market for nuts with shells, which was pursued by Chilenut for 5 years, will no doubt be one of the conversation topics in this year's ExpoNut. As such, one of the star guests this year will be Cheng Hung Kay, president of the China Tree Nuts Association "(China Chamber of commerce of the Import & Export of Food Stuffs, Native Product and Animal by-Products, Tree nuts Sub-Chamber) who will talk about the current status of international trade in walnuts as well as the challenges and opportunities for Chilean exporters. Another of the star guests will be Xavier Miarnau, who will address the new almond, late-blooming, self-fertile varieties that are more productive than the current varieties.
Source: americaeconomia.com