South America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from South America.
Southern Hemisphere citrus production to fall by almost 6 per cent in 2026
WCO warns of impact of Middle East war on logistics and access, as well as cost of agricultural inputs such as fertilisers
Brazilian fruit exports jump 25 per cent in first quarter of 2026
Rise in mango and apple shipments lead export charge, with EU-Mercosur deal expected to create new opportunities for exporters
War ushers in new phase of instability in Iran
Disruptions including temporary port closures and damage to infrastructure have affected the transportation and distribution of fresh produce in Iran
Ecuadorean banana exports grow despite challenging trade outlook
Q1 shipments up almost 10 per cent at 111.57mn boxes according to Acorbanec data
Jingold reaches €100mn turnover as yellow fruit drives expansion
Italian company celebrates 25th anniversary and attributes record performance to increased production across all varieties
Varietal renewal drives recovery in Chilean apple exports
Shipments jump 46 per cent to 60,000 tonnes in first quarter of 2026, as focus shifts to quality not quantity
US market “could be worth US$800mn for Chilean cherries”
Kroger’s Patrick Haines outlines the potential for Chilean cherries in the US at Global Cherry Summit
Chilean avocado industry reports improved sustainability picture
Avocados From Chile welcomes positive results of 2025 Sustainable Impact Report
Aguirre warns of challenging outlook for Colombian bananas
Exports reached a new record last year, but 2026 is shaping up to be much tougher
Brand refresh for Chilean avocado association
Avocados From Chile is the new name of the former Chilean Hass Avocado Committee
UK citrus market feels impact of Gulf crisis
The UK market has seen a rise in citrus sales over the past year, but all eyes are now on how logistical disruptions in the Middle East are affecting trade flows
FairFruit brings year-round peas and French beans to Canada
Group now supplies sustainable specialty vegetables from Guatemala and Peru to the Canadian market through 12 months of the year
Chile curbs grape exports to US
Production issues and a greater focus on European market dent shipment volumes to US in first quarter of 2026
Ecuadorean banana sector calls for curfew exemption
Banana and shrimp industries ask government to include exceptions in the latest curfew to prevent production from grinding to a halt
Chilean suppliers form BabyPlum Club for premium plums
Eight of the country’s leading fruit companies join forces to grow and sell varieties bred by Spain’s Ibergen Frutales
Macfrut promotes tropical import potential
Colombia sets out ambition to grow mango exports, while Dominican Republic and Peru underline their commitment to European market
IPD virtual event to connect European buyers with global suppliers
The German initiative promoting imports from developing countries will showcase avocados, mangoes, pitahayas, pineapples and other products
Global Coalition launches charter for fair ocean freight practices
International alliance of fresh produce trade associations unveils voluntary charter to encourage more resilient supply chains
Cool Carriers Chile posts strong season despite US downturn
Operator says it achieved record market share and moved 260,000 pallets of cherries, blueberries, grapes and stonefruit in 2025/26
New Argentine blueberry varieties show promising results
Four varieties developed by University of Buenos Aires and Early Crop generating interest in major producing countries
Colombian physalis exports bounce back
After last year’s dip, shipments have got off to a strong start in 2026
Valparaíso deputy leader floats idea of port royalty scheme
The initiative proposes that shippers pay a fee of US$1 for every tonne of cargo passing through the port
Price uncertainty mars start of Brazilian orange harvest
Worse-than-expected results last season cast shadow over new campaign
FTA paves way for big rise in Ecuadorean banana exports to South Korea
Aebe anticipates that annual shipments will double following the ratification of the free trade deal between the two countries
Bananas under pressure, but the solutions exist
The global banana sector faces a plethora of challenges, but industry experts insist the fruit’s future can be made secure by appropriate measures
Keyner Gamarra becomes new president of Apem
Gamarra is CEO of Sunshine Export and brings more than 15 years of experience in international trade, aquaculture, and agribusiness
Gene-edited banana approved in Japan and Brazil
Tropic’s non-browning variety can now be imported, sold, and consumed in both countries, and grown in Brazil
Tucumán lemon outlook: climate challenges meet strong market demand
Heavy rains and logistical delays mar start of the campaign, but strong international demand augurs well for shippers
Colombian avocado sector adjusts to new market realities
Hass avocado exports grew 21.3 per cent last year, but the average price fell by almost 17 per cent
Argentine apple exports drop to lowest level in ten years
Shipments down 30 per cent year-on-year due to production setbacks and strong domestic demand
CBC reports progress on regenerative agriculture pilot
Committee seeking to boost climate resilience, productivity, and profitability in Chile’s blueberry sector
Hazera promotes seedless watermelon approach
Breeding specialist emphasises how seedless varieties are reshaping the category through consistency, convenience and reliable quality
Frutas de Chile presents roadmap for growth to new agriculture minister
Plan sets out six key measures to help sector reach exports of US$10bn by 2030
Kissabel kicks off Southern Hemisphere campaign after record European season
Sales and consumer communications activities are already underway in several countries
Chile’s Exportadora Santa Cruz declared bankrupt
Move follows two failed reorganisation attempts by the company recent years
CH Robinson profits rise despite revenue fall amid AI investment
Robinson Fresh owner secures bigger profit thanks to continued restructuring, but warns of uncertainty ahead