The avocado and citrus fruit productions from countries such as Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil have allowed us exporters to diversify our geographical presence and position ourselves in strategic markets," says Nicolás Abarzúa, commercial manager of the Chilean company Cabilfrut.
"Europe and Asia account for around 80% of these exports, while other regions such as the United States, Latin America, and Australia also represent opportunities to satisfy the specific demands of each destination," he says.
According to Nicolás Abarzúa, the avocado market has evolved significantly. "Per capita consumption is growing steadily in all markets. This reflects the appreciation of consumers for the efforts made at the source and for the nutritional properties of avocados," he says. "In Asia, for example, the fruit has gained a prominent place and is used mainly in smoothies, which shows its versatility and appeal for different cultures."
Every year, Cabilfrut exports 8 million kilos of avocados and 3.5 million kilos of citrus fruits, generating over 20 million dollars in revenue. This year, the company expects a 20% growth in terms of both volume and value thanks to the recovery of production in Chile and the strengthening of Peru and Colombia as suppliers.
However, the road ahead isn't free of challenges. Abarzúa says that climate change has been taking a toll on the growing seasons and the quality of the product. "Adaptation and learning are essential to face these variations," he says, underlining the importance of having dynamic teams able to react in time.
In the field of logistics, the company has overcome the difficulties arising from the pandemic by working closely with agents and shipping lines to plan and control costs. "Also, we have adopted advanced technology at all stages, providing advice to growers and ensuring careful handling at packing and transport centers to guarantee the delivery of fruit in optimum condition."
"We were the first company in the Americas to obtain the Rainforest Alliance certification. This approach responds not only to the growing demands of international markets but also to the need to implement production systems that balance environmental care with commercial competitiveness," says Abarzúa.
For more information:
Nicolás Abarzúa
Cabilfrut
Santiago, Chile
Tel.: +56 2 2836 0800
[email protected]
www.cabilfrut.cl