The 2025 Chilean kiwi season concluded with exports totaling 146,603 tons, marking a 2% increase from 2024's 143,156 tons and surpassing the initial forecast of 135,832 tons. This season ranks among the most successful in the past thirty years, thanks to high-quality fruit and strong performance in key international markets.
Despite the record supply from New Zealand, we grew 2%," said Carlos Cruzat, president of the Chilean Fruit Kiwi Committee. "This shows that global demand continues to grow and that markets respond very well when Chilean kiwi offers consistency and flavor.
Europe once again solidified its position as the top destination for shipments, accounting for 59,434 tons, roughly 40% of total exports. The Netherlands emerged as the primary hub, with over 20,000 tons, followed by the United Kingdom (over 11,000 tons), and Italy and Spain, each with over 8,000 tons.
Latin America ranked second with 44,054 tons, led by Brazil with over 16,000 tons and Mexico with 8,000 tons. Shipments to North America reached nearly 20,000 tons, and shipments to India hit a record 17,000 tons, reinforcing India's role as a major emerging market for Chilean kiwi.
Cruzat attributed the season's good results mainly to the high quality of the fruit. However, he also pointed out additional factors that contributed to the success: larger fruit sizes, a greater share of category 1 fruit, and a more strategic harvest timing. This approach led to higher Brix levels, resulting in sweeter fruit with improved flavor.
Cruzat also emphasized that, despite increased yellow kiwi supply from competitors, demand for Chilean green kiwi remained strong.
Next season, the sector faces a technical challenge: a blossom up to 40% higher than usual. This excess can harm quality if not properly managed, Cruzat warned.
The Kiwi Committee announced that, starting in 2026, maturity parameters for harvesting will increase gradually, culminating in 2027. After that, all producing areas, except for a few, such as Valparaiso, will need to meet the 6.0 degrees Brix and 16% dry matter standards, aligning with international quality standards.
Source: frutasdechile.cl
