Chile LPS2

The Chilean Citrus Committee set out its stall at last week’s London Produce Show as the industry continues its market diversification drive.

The UK is a key target for exporters looking to reduce their reliance on the US, which is currently the largest market for Chilean citrus.

Chile is the second largest citrus exporter in the Southern Hemisphere behind South Africa. Last year it shipped a record 358,570 tonnes, an increase of 32 per cent on the previous campaign. Export volumes for 2019 are projected to reach around 350,000 tonnes.

“Chile offers more than 30 different species of fresh fruit, including lemons, clementines, tangerines, Navel oranges and grapefruits, all of which are characterised by their colour, flavour, firmness and aroma,”the committee said.

The Chilean Citrus Committee represents 73 per cent of the country’s total export volume according to its manager Monserrat Valenzuela.