As Chile relies on sea freight for 95 per cent of its fresh produce exports, the country's exporters stand to do well in the upcoming season as air freight costs rise and availability of space contracts. 'With the economic downturn that is forecast in our main destination markets, the US and Europe, what we will see is a slowing in the restaurant trade and increased consumption in the home which will result in greater consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables,' said Bown.

But the contraction in air-freight availability also means that small volume and highly perishable products in the Chilean export portfolio such as asparagus, berries, early season stone fruit and grape could be hit hard. 'We have asked the authorities to act quickly in order to avoid a situation where some producers are unable to export their products,' said Bown. 'This may even mean chartering aircraft to make up for the shortfall and mitigate the effects of higher tariffs.' Talks with the Chilean authorities have been encouraging so far, said Bown, and public-private commission is being set up with representatives of ProChile and export companies to address the problem.

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