"We are in a transition year, following the change to a new government, but we have a promising future. Argentina has the right climate, waters from melting snow and a long tradition in the cultivation of this type of crop. Competing countries have faced issues because of the lack of water and an increase in internal costs, which will give us the opportunity to compete in the apple market, and if the current economic policies become consolidated, as has been the case in these first few months, we have a chance to become a key player again in the field of exports," states Carlos Enríquez, manager of Vista Alegre.
Despite the positive outlook, the climatic factors that have hit most fruit-growing areas in the southern hemisphere have led to a 30% dop in Argentina's apple production. Also, only 35% of this fruit production is intended for export, leaving 65% for domestic consumption, so the latter remains the most important market for this product. "As a result of economic policies that have discouraged export over the past 12 years, Argentina has lost ground in the filed of foreign trade against its competitors. We have the conviction and enthusiasm that the new government of President Macri will support the export of fruits," continues Carlos Enriquez.