The 2024-2025 season has been difficult for Chilean grape growers. There's hope, however, that prices will improve by April as the volumes arriving in the US stabilize and supply and demand management improves.
Chile expects to export around 66 million boxes of table grapes, i.e. 2.3% more than in the previous season. As of week 6, exports totaled 14 million boxes boosted by the "System Approach" in Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaiso, which has improved the efficiency of dispatches, stated Carla Carmona of Trading Logistics Management (TLM), which connects producers with markets under established buying programs.
The increase in volumes is positive, but the international market faces significant price pressure, especially in the US, where the accumulation of 8 million boxes due to fears of a port strike saturated the market since January 25. In addition, competition from Peru, South Africa, and India has flooded the North American and European markets with fruit.
Victor Muñoz, manager of Corfo's Sustainable Fruit Growing Regional Strategic Program, is optimistic that "adapting to the new demands of international markets, productive diversity, and efficient supply chain management will be crucial to maintain the sector's competitiveness."
"We expect prices to rebound by April 2025 due to a stabilization in arrival volumes and better management of supply and demand. This could benefit Chile and its late fruit. The industry needs to keep an eye on these developments and adjust strategies to ensure we have a more balanced and profitable season," Carla Carmona stated.
Source: portalagrochile.cl