At the inauguration of the Chilenut on tour 2017 cycle, in the city of Linares, Chilenut president Álvaro Jiménez said that the industry will record a meteoric growth in the coming years, with prospects to go from the 90 thousand tonnes produced this year to 200 thousand tonnes in 2024/2025, which means that the walnut volume will double in less than a decade.
The leader also emphasised that thanks to Chile's high quality production standards (with a higher percentage of pulp and extra light colour, as well as a great flavour), the country is able to export 95% of its production, making it the main supplier of walnuts in the off-season.
Jiménez pointed out in his speech that the volume to be marketed worldwide this season is estimated to reach 2.11 million tonnes, of which only 4.4% will be contributed by Chile, with China and the United States by far as the main players.
Chilenut on tour was held in the cities of Linares and Los Andes, with a record attendance in both cities (there was a total of 200 attendees), and was co-funded by the Fund for the Promotion of Silvoagropecuarian Exports of the Ministry of Agriculture, which is administered by ProChile.