"Rotterdam still the major port for Chilean fruit"
The Netherlands remain the leading European partner for Chilean fruit. This was confirmed by the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) and ProChile during a meeting with Dutch importers on Monday, February 4 in Ridderkerk. A brief outlook on the current season, the promotional plans and developments for Chilean exports to the Dutch market.
Ronald Bown
Ronald Bown, president of export organization ASOEX gave an overview of the current status of the Chilean fruit exports. Of the entire Chilean food export, 28% is fruit. Of all the Chilean fruit, grapes, apples and kiwis are among the most commonly exported. "Chile has become the largest exporter in the southern hemisphere. In 1961 we owned a 4% share of total export, now it’s almost 60%.”
The Chairman proclaimed to be very impressed with the excellence and the level of investment of Rotterdam harbour. He expects that the continued development of Dutch infrastructure will ensure that the Dutch importers have the facilities required to maintain their position as a key partner for the Chilean fruit exporters.
Ronald Bown, Christophe Désplas, Christian Carvajan and Carlos Cruzat
Dutch importers, in a reply, stated they love to receive Chilean fruit because of the quality and professionalism of the sector. However, they noticed that in recent years, less volume is supplied, and they wonder how important the Netherlands are to Chilean exporters, and how this will develop in the future. According to ASOEX, it is indeed undeniable that an increasing part of the fruit is shipped to other countries in Europe, sidestepping Rotterdam. Bown, nevertheless, indicated: "The Netherlands remain one of the main recipients of the Chilean fruit on the old continent. Our collaboration with the Dutch importers is the cornerstone of everything we have achieved. Rotterdam is still widely seen as the main gateway into Europe."
