South America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from South America.
Banana workers face ‘worsening crisis’, says new report
ITUC’s latest Global Rights Index suggests worker rights have been diminished in various parts of the world
Colombia: unrest hits banana exports
Roadblocks cut off Caribbean coast and prevent fruit from reaching ports
Cherry surge fuels rise in shipments from Chile’s TPS
More than 370,000 tonnes of cherries were exported from the terminal in 2024/25
Fruitnet, IFPA team up to deliver high-powered content at Asia Fruit Logistica’s Peru Meet Up
Fruitnet and IFPA to curate insight-filled content programme at premier international event for Latin America’s fresh produce business
One Banana launches regenerative agriculture pilot
The initiative, in partnership with WWF and Earth University, aims to “lay the groundwork for healthier soils, more resilient ecosystems and a more sustainable global food system”
Brazil improves market access for Argentine fruit
Agriculture ministry officially recognises areas as being free from grapevine moth
Strong start to the year for Ecuadorean banana exports
Shipments up 3.21 per cent in first four months of 2025 according to Acorbanec
Analysis: Peru’s export business is right on trend
Recent poor weather dampened its growth, but overall the country’s export trade remains buoyant, as Wayne Prowse reports
Chilean avo industry launches AI ag management pilot
Chilean Avocado Committee promotes new technology trial with startup Miido
Strong start to the year for Peruvian lime exports
Q1 shipments up 44 per cent in volume and 35 per cent in value
Banana growers unite against gender-based violence
Inter-institutional campaign announced at the the Fifth International Fair Trade Banana Forum
Peru blueberry exports set to grow
Country’s recovery continues following sudden downturn in 2023/24 with a forecast increase in production
Chile sees biggest avocado crop in ten years
Favourable weather conditions will also extend the 2024/25 season by two months
San Carlos, Shandong to develop binational industrial park
The San Carlos-based park will have a special focus on fruit and vegetable production and agro-industrial innovation
Colombia signs up to China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Move marks a major shift in foreign policy for Colombia, which has traditionally been aligned with the US
La Niña casts shadow over Peru’s avocado export growth
Country should sell more to foreign markets this year, but there are climate-related concerns around production
DP World reveals US$2.5bn investment plan
Company says major infrastructure projects will break ground across Europe, India, Africa and South America this year
Anecoop and Asaja help create new Citrusbusters alliance
Group targets development of new tools to combat rising threat of disease brought about by climate change and international trade
Corbana says impact of Trump tariff will be minimal
Corporation said exports will fall this year due to climate effects rather than tariffs
Peruvian citrus exports set for double-digit growth in 2025
Industry body Procitrus said shipment volumes are expected increase by 10-12 per cent
Brazilian grape suppliers meet importers in China
Abrafrutas president Guilherme Coelho updates Fruitnet on potential trade breakthroughs in Asia and Europe
Cartama secures major financing deal to expand its operation
Pioneering project finance scheme will boost competitiveness in Colombia’s agricultural sector
Equilibria wins best agtech startup at SelectUSA
Company’s EQApp provide remote technical assistance to small and medium-sized lime producers in Colombia
Maersk resumes service to Coquimbo and Pisco for LatAm citrus season
Additional call to Coquimbo started in week 19, with call to Pisco commencing in week 21
Equilibria flies the flag for Latin American produce
Company chosen to represent Latin America at top US investment fair
Sun World debuts Ruby Rush as it ushers in early grape season
The early-season red seedless grape is “proving its value to growers” and is now cultivated in ten countries, with production expanding
Climate change will decimate banana production in Latin America and Caribbean, says report
Christian Aid report suggests almost two-thirds of areas’ banana regions will no longer be able to support the fruit’s production
Costa Rica mulls cost of potential US tariffs
Agricultural products like pineapples, bananas and coffee in the firing line
First Chinese pears hit Argentine market
The 2,597-carton consignment was shipped Hebei province-based Botou Dongfang Fruit Co
Unity is the key to success for Chilean cherry exporters
Alejandro García-Huidobro, founder of Prize, calls for greater collaboration and market diversification ahead of 2025/26
Four Frutura companies achieve B Corp certification
CEO David Krause said the certification process has “made Frutura a better company”
Chilean apple exports set to grow slightly in 2025
Preliminary forecast from Chile’s Pink Lady Fruit Committee points to a 4.4 per cent increase in shipments
Peruvian pitahaya exports on the up
Shipments surge in first quarter of 2025
India access offers hope for Brazilian citrus, but challenges await
Industry players consider potential to grow Brazil’s citrus sales in world’s second-largest consumer market
USAID cuts a “threat” to small farmers in developing world
The consequences of the termination of USAID-funded technical assistance programmes are hard to predict for the global fruit and vegetables business, but small producers are likely to be the first to feel an impact
Still room for growth in Chinese cherry market
SNA president Antonio Walker said Chilean cherries have a bright future – provided they can get the quality right