Chile's Fruit Exporters Association AG, Asoex, and ProChile, invited a group of representatives of major US and Canadian supermarket chains to Chile so that they could get to know the production and export process of Chilean fruit.
The event was coordinated by the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) in North America as part of its efforts to promote the national fruit in the US and Canadian markets. The retailers invited are Grocery Outlet, Northgate Gonzalez Markets, KVAT, Southeastern Grocers, Harris Teeter, Walmart, and Metro Canada.
Ronald Bown, president of ASOEX, said: "These visits are very relevant for our industry because they allow us to show retailers the entire production and export process of Chilean fruit in situ, as well as the work developed by our Association. This helps strengthen our ties with the North American retail sector. The United States continues to be the main destination for Chilean fruit. In the 2016-2017 season Chile exported more than 800 thousand tons of fresh fruit to that market."
"Each season we invite a group of retailers to visit Chile and its fruit sector because we know that's the best way to show them all the sector's work, technology, landscapes, and how each fruit they receive in their stores complies with all phytosanitary measures. We are now being accompanied by representatives of large supermarket chains, both at the regional and national level, from the United States and Canada. These retailers target different audiences and markets, offering a very varied opportunity for Chilean fruit," said Karen Brux, the Executive Director of the CFFA.
During the meeting, the President of ASOEX spoke to the visitors about the work done by ASOEX and the reality of the country's fruit export industry.
Retail
The representatives of the US and Canadian retail sector said that consumers preferred better quality, environmentally friendly, and good tasting products.
"Our customers seek novelty products, especially when they are of good quality. Consumers are mainly looking for quality and then taste, and they are willing to pay for it," stated Mike Carter of Southeastern Grocers.
"This is the first time I've been to Chile, and I think it's very positive to be able to get to know this industry, especially because Chilean fruits are one of our main products in the counter season. We know about the quality of the Chilean fruit, and it's good to be able to inform our consumers how it is produced, "said Alonso Cano of Northgate Gonzalez Market, a supermarket chain aimed at the US Latino population in more than 40 locations and that is headquartered in California.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the delegation toured blueberry orchards. On Thursday and Friday the group will visit orchards and stone fruit and cherry packing facilities.
Source: SimFRUIT