Shipments grew 2 per cent despite record supply from New Zealand, with growers receiving good returns
Chilean kiwifruit exports totalled 146,603 tonnes in 2025, an increase of 2 per cent on the previous year. The Chilean Kiwifruit Committee described it as “one of the best seasons in the last 35 years, sustained by consistent fruit and solid performance in key markets”. But it warned that the challenge lies in maintaining these levels.
“Despite record supply from New Zealand, we grew by 2 per cent, driven by excellent fruit. This demonstrates that global demand continues to grow and that markets respond very well when Chilean kiwifruit offers consistency and flavour,” said the committee’s president, Carlos Cruzat.
Europe remained the top destination, receiving nearly 40 per cent of total shipments, equivalent to 59,434 tonnes. The Netherlands took a further 20,000 tonnes, followed by the UK (11,000 tonnes), Italy and Spain, (8,000+ tonnes each).
Latin America was the second biggest market, taking 44,054 tonnes of fruit. Brazil accounted for 16,000 tonnes, Mexico for 8,000 tonnes, making them the top two markets in this region.
Exports to North America reached almost 20,000 tonnes, while India took a record 17,000 tonnes of kiwifruit.
According to Cruzat, the positive feedback from importers and retailers was due to several factors. “On the one hand, I would highlight the high quality of Chilean kiwifruit, along with a fruit that is more consistent, firm, and delicious to eat, offering an excellent experience to the end consumer,” he commented.
“The fruit was larger, which translated into more kilos, and there was also a higher proportion of Category 1 fruit, which resulted in greater efficiency in the process, with less waste. Furthermore, the harvest was more strategic, as it yielded fruit with higher Brix levels (soluble solids), resulting in better flavour and sweeter kiwifruit.”
Cruzat noted that 2025 had seen sustained demand for green kiwifruit, despite growing competition from yellow kiwifruit, which, “demonstrates that a solid and good market for this product continues to exist”.
“The satisfaction of the entire commercial chain translated into prices that rewarded the quality of the Chilean product, generating good returns for producers and exporters,” Cruzat stated.
Looking ahead to the next season, he said the industry faces a crucial challenge, namely that orchards have a potential flower load up to 40 per cent higher than 2025’s.
“This high level of flowering, if not managed correctly, could weaken the plant and result in smaller, lower-quality fruit,” Cruzat warned. “If we have learned that good fruit allows us to compete successfully, this year the focus must be on timely thinning before flowering.”
Cruzat urged producers to not fall into the trap of simply “leaving anything to chance”, but instead said “we must work to produce the fruit that the market demands and ensure a successful season through effort, not luck”.
As part of its commitment to quality, the Kiwifruit Committee announced that, starting with the 2026 season, a gradual increase in the maturity parameters required for harvesting will be introduced. This process will culminate in 2027, when all producing regions (with exceptions such as Valparaíso) will be required to meet the international standard of 6.0o Brix and 16 per cent dry matter, solidifying the reputation of Chilean kiwifruit worldwide.
“his reflects the collaborative work between producers and exporters to strengthen the competitiveness and reputation of Chilean kiwifruit in international markets,” Cruzat said.
