More than four hundred participants gathered at the Monticello Events Center for AgroFresh Xperience Chile 2025 – The Academy, where growers and industry representatives discussed export projections, climate risks, and post-harvest efficiency for the coming season.
Sector leaders, including Iván Marambio (Frutas de Chile), Víctor Catán (Fedefruta), and Manuel José Alcaíno (Decofrut), examined competitiveness, water management, and labor conditions, along with forecasts for cherries, grapes, and apples. The session emphasized water infrastructure and renewable energy as priorities for sustainable production.
Speakers projected that the 2025–2026 season could see export growth of between 6% and 10%, supported by a later Chinese New Year on February 17, 2026, and improved coordination in logistics and quality. Participants recommended diversifying markets, moderating early shipments, and maintaining strict post-harvest standards to protect margins.
Technical experts Carlos Tapia (AVIUM) and Dr. Juan Pablo Zoffoli (PUC) said that quality must be defined from the consumer's perspective, focusing on firmness, dry matter, sugar levels, and consistency at destination. They called for precise harvest timing, strong thermal management, and worker training to minimize quality losses.
Zoffoli emphasized that "every quality point gained at origin adds value at destination," urging wider use of non-destructive tools to monitor firmness and sugars in real time.
Leonel Fernández (FDF) outlined climate forecasts for the 2025–2026 season, noting variable temperatures, rainfall fluctuations, and phenological advances of up to 12 days, with a 71% probability of La Niña conditions between October and December 2025. He recommended basin-level water planning and predictive models for harvest and post-harvest management.
In the afternoon session, consultant Óscar "Coco" Salgado said that in a context of economic uncertainty, growers face a choice to "exit the business or invest strategically to remain in business." He urged Chile to move toward a more industrial production model focused on quality and traceability.
AgroFresh's Claudio Moreno highlighted that global fresh fruit demand is expected to reach 629 million tonnes by 2025, while the post-harvest treatment market, valued at about US$1.5 billion in 2022, is projected to grow more than 7% annually to 2027.
The final panel, including representatives from Frutas de Chile, Dole, Frusan, Subsole, Hortifrut, and independent consultants, discussed regulatory pressures in Europe, competition from Peru and South Africa, and the need for varietal renewal. Participants stressed that data systems and digitalization are critical for managing logistics and ensuring consistent quality at the destination.
The event concluded with a call for collaboration between science, sustainability, and production to maintain Chile's position in key export markets.
Source: Blueberries Consulting
