Chile is looking forward to establishing new export outlets in Russia for its growing blueberry output at the forthcoming IFE Fresh Produce Russia exhibition, where the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) plans to exhibit for the first time.
“IFE presents an opportunity for some of Chile’s grower-shippers to evaluate the Russian market, to identify the opportunities and challenges and to start opening a few doors,” commented Christian Carvajal, the Europe-Asia marketing manager for CFFA.
In 2007/08, Russia leapfrogged Spain to become Chile’s third largest fruit export market in Europe, with overall exports to the country (mainly apples and table grapes) growing by 59 percent, from 64,554 tonnes to 102,321 tonnes.
“Chilean blueberry growers realise Russia has a very interesting customer base on account of the population’s high disposable income,” explained Ronald Bown, president of the Chilean Exporters Association (Asoex).
“We are seeing, more and more, that the average consumer in Russia wants to try imported products that were not readily available to them in the past. It’s a very interesting opportunity for Chile.”
Chile is the leading blueberry exporter in the Southern Hemisphere and ranks among the top five suppliers in the world, according to CFFA.
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