The 2025 season has been difficult for Chilean fruit exporters, especially for those working with cherries and grapes, due to market saturation, price drops, and high-impact logistical events. Although apples have continued to yield stable results, other products are facing a more challenging scenario.
Miguel Comas Azócar, export manager for Latin America at San Clemente, says that apples remain a key product, with shipments to more than 30 countries. "Last season was good, with good returns. This year, we expect to grow by between 10% and 12% in terms of volume," he says.
© San Clemente From left to right: Miguel Comas, of San Clemente; Ricardo Cipriani, of Lecuston, and a colleague at Fruit Attraction São Paulo.
As far as prices are concerned, the Gala variety is being marketed for around 20-21 dollars per box; the Fuji, mainly intended for Taiwan, costs around 35-40 dollars, and the Granny Smith remains stable at between 24 and 25 dollars. "In the last few seasons, prices have improved quite a lot after some difficult years. Today, we have quite a competitive position against countries such as Argentina, South Africa or New Zealand," says Comas.
© San Clemente
In contrast, table grapes have faced a particularly difficult season. Fruit from the north of Chile, an area affected by drought, has had to compete against large volumes of Peruvian grapes in the U.S. market, the main export destination. "It has been a very difficult year. The market has been saturated, and this has caused prices to fall considerably. This year, prices have ranged between 14 and 15 dollars per box, compared to 22 dollars in the previous year," says Comas.
In spite of this, the quality of the fruit has been good. Thanks to the use of a systems approach in Mexico and the United States, it hasn't been necessary to fumigate the grapes, which resulted in the fruit being in better condition on arrival. "This has been very valuable, as it translates into a better experience for the consumer; however, when there is an excess of fruit, clients scrutinize every detail, and any defect can become a cause for complaints," he says.
© San Clemente
The situation of cherries is also difficult. Numerous exporters were seriously affected by the incident with a ship carrying more than 1,300 containers. "We had 20 containers on that ship, so losses are estimated at more than 2 million dollars. We are facing a long legal process. The ship was only part of the problem, as prices were already low this season," he says.
Comas says that the Chinese market, traditionally the main destination, is losing interest in certain categories. "Not all cherries are suitable for China. You have to ship suitable calibers and varieties. If we don't, we lose the market's trust. We are seeking alternatives such as the United States, Mexico and Brazil," he concludes.
© San Clemente
For more information:
Miguel Comas Azócar
San Clemente
mcomas@sclem.cl
www.sclem.cl