Frutas de Chile's Table Grape Committee made a first estimate of the volume that will be shipped under the Systems Approach to the US market, the main destination for Chilean grapes receiving 61% of all exports.
According to the estimate, in the 2024-25 season, Chile will send around 56,461 tons (6.9 million 8.2 kg boxes) of table grapes produced in the regions of Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaíso to the United States under this system. Atacama will contribute 24,595 tons (2,999,448 boxes), Coquimbo will ship 26,681 tons (3,253,818 boxes), and Valparaiso will ship 5,185 tons (632,267 boxes). In total, these shipments are expected to generate returns of $ 107 million.
The committee estimates that, in total, Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaiso will export 161,347 tons of table grapes (19,676,492 boxes) to the US this season. 35% of this volume will be sent under the Systems Approach; an important milestone according to the national table grape industry, considering this is its first year of implementation.
"This protocol favors the quality, condition, and flavor of this fruit. Most importantly, it contributes to the sustainability of the fresh fruit industry in general," highlighted Ignacio Caballero, the executive director of the Table Grape Committee.
Including the volume of all the country's production areas, Chile will export an estimated 541,250 tons (66 million 8.2kg boxes) of tables grapes in the 2024-25 season, i.e. 2.4% more than in the previous season, Caballero stated.
"For the second consecutive season, we expect table grape shipments to the world to continue to grow. This growth continues positioning us as an industry with a great quality and variety of grapes," Caballero said.
These positive forecasts are explained by the increase in exports of new varieties, a trend that continues to gain ground in the markets, and that is expected to account for 65% of all shipments in the 2024-25 season. The fastest growing new varieties include white grapes such as Autumn Crisp, Cotton Candy, and Sweet Globe, and red varieties such as Candy Hearts and Jacks Salute.
Source: Frutas de Chile