Chile made the most of its status as the partner country to Fruit Logistica this year by sharing its fresh produce vision.
The South American country is aiming to export $15 billion of food by 2010, in its bid to become one of the top 10 food exporters in the world.
The Chilean fruit frowers’ association Fedefruta and Asoex, which represents 92 per cent of the total export volume, are working together with the government to promote the industry.
Chile has made strides with its fresh produce offer, producing some 2.3 million tonnes of fruit in 2007-08, up from just 267,000t in 1980. More than 65 per cent of the total volumes are exported.
The agricultural industry makes up around 4.5 per cent of the total GDP of the country and
Fresh produce makes up 24 per cent of total food exports and the agricultural industry, as a whole, makes up 4.5 per cent of the country’s total GDP.
Chilean minister of agriculture Marigen Hornkohl said: “We want to be become one of the leading exporters in the world and we want to get the challenges we face under control, especially in times of economic trouble like this. This event gives us the opportunity to invite new partners to Chile…
“We have enjoyed dynamic growth and we have a dense network of trade agreements, but we know that the role that Chile has can only be maintained with development. We are working on our objectives as hard as we can.”
Ronald Bown, president of Asoex, believes there is still some way to go. He added: “The industry in Chilean industry is free and open, but there is a lot of competition so there is a need for growers and exporters to co-operate.”
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