South America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from South America.
CR banana sector drives community infrastructure improvements
Investment in active projects to improve road infrastructure and drainage totals US$7mn
Brazilian orange forecast revised downwards
Projections for harvest in São Paulo and Minas Gerais now stand at 292.6mn cartons
Comment: Greenhouse tech is often ‘too costly to scale’
Technological complexity and high costs will continue to restrict growth of covered production, especially in the US, says Kubo CEO
Itaueira celebrates return to international markets
Brazilian exporter’s presence at Fruit Logistica 2026 in Berlin underlined its renewed focus on exports after a seven-year hiatus
Colombian blues still far from reaching export potential
Despite enjoying similar competitive advantages to Peru, exports have so far failed to scale up as fast as previously anticipated
Vanguard to develop major blueberry farm in Peru
Company announces first phase will see it establish 550ha production centre, strengthening its sourcing capability out of Peru
Fresh4U launches ready-to-eat corn as first move into prepped
Western International-based wholesaler is supplying prepped corn on the cob from India into the UK as it eyes expansion into retail supply
Chiquita resumes Panama banana exports via Costa Rica
Company expects full production to resume in second half of 2026, as exports via Port of Moín in Costa Rica get underway
CMI Orchards strengthens year-round pear programmes
Partnership with Argentina’s Kleppe family complements domestic programmes
Peru selected to host the 2027 IBO Summit
The decision follows strong member support and recognition of the country’s industry leadership
Chiquita welcomes banana pan-genome breakthrough
Project backed by Chiquita and Innocent Drinks claims major step forward in fight against disease, with new varieties potentially months from development
Berry shortages and ‘tsunami of grapes’ bound for Europe
Heavy rain, wind, and port issues are disrupting exports from Morocco, Spain and South Africa, with berries and grapes among top affected
Raingrown fruit initiative saves 1.6bn litres of water
Eosta publishes results of its Organic Raingrown project, which sources fruit only from producers that use natural rainfall rather than irrigation
Asia drives growth for global banana trade
Philippines claims second-largest global exporter as China emerges as significant import destination
Camposol launches Origin global genetic breeding programme
Frst two varieties, Sol One and Maia Blue, are already being produced at commercial scale and have been well received by the market
Frutas de Chile president calls for more investment in desalination
Iván Marambio warned that thousands of hectares of production have already been lost to drought in worst affected regions
Uruguay says yes to Colombian avocados
According to ICA, negotiations were concluded in less than a year
South Africa bemoans slow BRICS progress
South African fruit exporters are navigating a complex landscape of US trade tariffs, Cape Town port disruptions and disappointing BRICS trade
Peru revises 2025/26 table grape forecast downwards
Provid pegs crop at 84.2mn cartons, down from initial forecast of 86mn
Dubai bolsters standing as regional hub
With the creation of the Foodstuffs, Fruit and Vegetable Market, set to be twice the size of the current market, Dubai is reinforcing its position as a world-class hub for fresh produce, according to Redha Mansouri, CEO of Fresh Fruits Company, and Hesam Rahi, CEO of Farzana Trading
Food security is built, not grown
Food security will not be solved by farming alone. It will be solved by infrastructure funded at scale
Ecuadorean banana exports grow 3.9 per cent in 2025
Strong performance in Russia, Europe and the Middle East lifted shipments
Analysis: Brazil builds fresh export momentum
The country’s fruit exports have grown steadily over the past decade and surged in 2025, as Wayne Prowse reports
Fruit Logistica Briefing: AI is changing everything – are you ready for it?
Watch a recording of the event’s fascinating discussion on artificial intelligence and automation in the fresh produce business
Chinese delegation tours Mendoza stonefruit sites to advance export agreement
Technicians, GACC officials and customs representatives visit production facilities plots and packing plants as part of nationwide audit
Chiquita’s Great White Fleet on course to expand
Stefano Di Paolo and Peter Stedman outline multinational’s plan to work with more external suppliers and to double down on sustainability efforts
Polish apple exporter reports solid season despite market pressures
Jan Nowakowski of Polish apple exporter Genesis Fresh says this season has demonstrated the importance of flexibility and diversification
Chilean blues go on marketing offensive in Argentina and Brazil
One of the Blueberry Committee’s key goals this season is to boost exports to regional markets
Costa Rica banana industry reaffirms commitment to biodiversity
A Fonafifo-led initiative is installing camera traps to monitor biodiversity in protected forest in the Southern Caribbean region
‘Sustainability now a priority for banana consumers’
Caoimhe Buckley, chief corporate affairs officer at Fyffes, tells Fred Searle about the key trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the global banana industry
Waitrose bananas to join Waitrose Foundation
By this summer, all Waitrose bananas will carry the Fairtrade and Waitrose Foundation labels, as the retailer steps up its commitment to banana farming communities
Argentina edges closer to China access for stonefruit
Phytosanitary protocol expected to be signed shortly, paving the way for exports to begin next year
Peruvian agricultural exports to China jump since opening of Chancay
Shipments to this market grew 82 per cent last year, with blueberries and avocados leading the charge
StepacPPC develops packaging to extend pitaya freshness
New bulk packaging film protects fruit during extended storage and shipment
Fresh Del Monte to take global ownership of Del Monte brand
US$285mn bid secures group large part of bankrupt Del Monte Foods Corporation II, including assets in US, Mexico, and Venezuela
DP World’s Callao terminal handles record 2m TEUs
Key exports through the Peruvian port include include avocados, grapes, blueberries, mandarins and mangoes