Chilean grapes

Chile’s exports of fresh fruit to China and Hong have surged 235 per cent in six years, according to iQonsulting.

A report released by the produce marketing consultancy firm has found while Hong Kong is still the leading port of destination for Chilean fresh fruit shipments, in 2013 it only accounted for 45 per cent to total exports, down from 81 per cent in 2008.

Shanghai is the leading destination port in mainland China, receiving 830 tonnes of air freighted cherries and blueberries in 2013, with Beijing, Shekou and Chiwan all gaining traction as export destinations since 2008.

Table grapes lead the way in Chile’s fruit exports, accounting for 45 per cent in 2013, followed by cherries, according to the report.

The report comes just as a high-level Chilean trade mission to China has been announced, to facilitate further trade between the countries.