The global fruit market is growing fast - and it is changing. Global fresh-fruit trade has grown faster than overall global trade since 2010, by 6 percent annually.
Growth is fuelled by new import markets, as well as traditional large import markets. Increasingly, import markets don’t only require more fruit; they also need something different, driven by changing consumer preferences and retail dynamics.
US still the main growth engine
A look at the development of global imports of fresh fruits in both absolute and percentage terms demonstrates a diverse landscape of global fruit-import markets. Most striking is China, already the world’s third-largest fresh-fruit import market, but still rapidly rising.
Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, India, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia have rapidly moved forward as promising import markets.
The US is still the main growth engine in the global fresh-fruit market, while the second-highest contributor to growth in absolute terms (expressed in US dollars) is the EU. The EU is still a steady-going market for fresh fruit and nuts.
With Chile as a well positioned supplier
“With the global market outlook for fresh fruit, Chile is well positioned as a supplier, as it is full of opportunities” according to Cindy van Rijswick, Analyst, Fresh Produce.
“It is the world’s second-largest net exporter of fresh fruit and the number one fruit exporter in the southern hemisphere, already shipping to a wide range of countries. This position is built on high quality and professionalism.”
It needs to further step up its game
Food retailers are becoming increasingly demanding, and the global competitive landscape continues to be fierce. In order to take advantage of the opportunities in the global market, Chile’s fruit sector needs to increase investments in new fruit varieties and efficiency. Alternative strategies include organic production, a strategy of internationalisation, or forward integration.
