The Chilean fruit industry has faced numerous challenges in the last two seasons. Globally, the pandemic altered the proper functioning of maritime transport logistics, extending product transfer times. Being at the southern end of the globe, Chile was one of the fruit industries hardest hit by the crisis given the distance between the country and its target markets.
Miguel Canala-Echeverría, general manager of the Chilean Association of Fruit Exporters (ASOEX): “Product of the pandemic, movement restrictions, the lack of drivers, the war in Ukraine, etc. there were a number of elements that came together and created a very difficult season."
The consequences in the fruit sector have been different depending on the crop. While cherries maintain almost exclusive leadership in their markets during the southern hemisphere season, facing minor economic losses; Other crops, such as blueberries, have more competition, so, after the loss of condition of their fruits during the long trips, they received less income for the products shipped.
Regarding the reaction of logistics providers this season, Canala-Echeverría said: “Here, there is no market problem, rather the market situation was generated as a result of logistical situations; mainly delays and increased costs of the chain. Transit times, for example, doubled and with a perishable, this issue is tremendously sensitive. When the products arrived at their destination, their condition had deteriorated significantly, so their marketing became complex.“
“This year we have worked intensively with everyone involved in the logistics chain to be able to take measures to prevent this from happening again. We have had meetings with practically all the actors and I believe that there is absolute agreement on the extraordinary nature of what happened last season, and that we hope that this year it will not be repeated; that everything works fine.”
“The season is going well, the fruit is expected to be in good condition. The search Cherry express is setting sail for China, which is sure to carry blueberries and other fruits. A service to the United States also began to operate, therefore the season is already beginning to settle down, and we are confident that everything should operate well.”
Source: blueberriesconsulting.com