Chile flag

Chile was the world’s biggest supplier of fresh blueberries, table grapes, plums and dried apples last year, according to a study carried out by ProChile.

According to the research, Chile topped the global export ranking in 10 products categories, including traditional items such as copper and fish, reported SimFRUIT.

But that position of leadership on the international market also included other product categories, notably fresh produce.

Last year Chile achieved a global table grape market share of 18 per cent thanks to exports worth US$1.5bn, up from the US$460,000 total ten years ago.

Chile also rose the ranks in fresh blueberry exports during 2011, growing its international market share from 10 per cent to 33.5 per cent, according to ProChile.

ProChile director Félix de Vicente attributed the blueberry growth to a boom in production over the last few years, which has boosted Chile’s offer and created the need to find new markets worldwide.