South America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from South America.
Chilean cherry grower bids to stretch British season to 100 days
FGA Farming is using Chilean production systems and new varieties to extend supply as it scales up to become UK’s single biggest cherry grower
Peru Meet-Up to spotlight innovation and trade opportunities between Latin America, Asia and beyond
Latin America’s fresh produce suppliers connect with global buyers at two-day networking and knowledge-sharing event – trade visitor and sponsorship registration now open
Strong start for Peruvian avos
Exports for first half of 2025 show big jump in value and volume
Food security report exposes climate change risks for UK importers
Study urges suppliers to take action to avoid empty shelves, with half of UK fruit and veg imports facing severe climate threats by 2050
Brazilian mango and grape exports to US at risk from tariff plan
Brazilian fruit association warns that exports of mangoes and grapes to the US are under serious threat from planned tariffs set to take effect in August
Cosmic Crisp takes centre stage at Independence Day celebration at US Embassy in Chile
Agricola San Clemente has held the exclusive license to grow the variety in Chile since 2018
Kuehne+Nagel opens state-of-the-art logistics centre in Ecuador
The global logistics provider has unveiled a modern facility near Quito featuring extensive refrigerated warehousing to enhance its perishable transport services in the region
Chilean market opens for Argentine lemons
Federcitrus sees good potential for summer lemons in the Chilean market
Argentine fruit sector feels the heat
Five industry organisations call for urgent action from the government to “guarantee their survival”
Brazil’s fruit exports surge 27 per cent in first half of 2025
Brazil has recorded significant growth in its fruit export sector for the first half of 2025, with volume up 27.2 per cent and value increasing by 12.6 per cent compared to the same period last year
Record blueberry crop poses challenges for Peru
ProArandanos GM analyses logistical and commercial pressure points the industry faces in 2025/26
Taiwan peach production nears 17,000 tonnes as cherry and nectarine imports grow
New USDA report forecasts Taiwan peach production for 2025, with total stonefruit consumption expected to hit 31,500 tonnes as nectarine and cherry imports increase
Hellmann expands Americas network with Colombian subsidiary
Following nearly 30 years of operating through local partners, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has established a fully-owned subsidiary in Colombia, marking a strategic expansion of its Americas network
US tariff plan leaves Brazilian mango and grape producers reeling
With the country’s mango and grape harvests just days away, producers are scrambling for solutions after the US announced a 50 per cent import tariff starting August 1, potentially diverting fruit to other markets
French apple growers embrace change
Despite considerable challenges, Daniel Sauvaitre, president of the French apple and pear association (ANPP), believes the country’s apple business is well placed to respond to consumer demands for sustainability and top quality
Irritec acquires majority stake in Colombian irrigation pioneer
The acquisition of drip irrigation specialist Agrifim de Colombia will see Irritec modernise production facilities and establish a technology transfer center to support Colombian farmers
Belgian pears provide stability
Belgian Fruit Valley predicts a strong pear crop this season amid shifting climatic, logistical and market challenges, with its region’s stable production providing confidence to both growers and customers
Peru’s mango production set to be down and delayed, says Promango
Alternate bearing and delays to flowering are said to have contributed to the expected decline and later harvest
New tariff offensive prompts major concern for exporters in the EU, South Africa, Brazil and Mexico
US President Donald Trump has announced plans for new tariffs on imports from multiple countries including the EU, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa, creating significant uncertainty for fresh produce exporters worldwide
Hortifrut launches Peru blueberry season with China shipment
Chilean berry giant’s first container of the 2025/26 season is expected to arrive in Shanghai on 30 July, with transit time reduced from 32 to 25 days
Maersk opens strategic cold chain facility in Peru’s Olmos region
Logistics giant Maersk has strengthened its presence in Peru’s agricultural sector with a new 17,500 sq m packing and cold chain logistics centre in Olmos, designed to handle avocados, blueberries, and mangoes for global markets.
Itaueira invests €12.5mn in new melon production
Brazilian fruit supplier commits significant investment to restore melon production base in Ceará state, with plans to expand to 3,000ha over next two years
Beta begins blueberry exports to China from Chancay
Peruvian company has shipped its first containers of Sekoya blueberries to China and expects 25 per cent export growth this season
Fruitist ships its first new-season blueberries to China via Chancay
New port cuts transit times, guaranteeing fresher arrivals to the Asian market
Wimbledon confirms no ban on avocados amid sustainability debate
The All England Tennis Club has confirmed that avocados remain available at Wimbledon, countering rumours of a ban following sustainability concerns raised in UK media.
Israel green-lights imports of Peruvian grapes
Announcement caps off a record year for Peruvian table grape exports
Avocados from Colombia brand makes US debut
CAB said the milestone marks a new era of growth, identity, and opportunity for Colombian avocados
Chilean avocado output reaches highest level in 15 years
Better-than-expected results down to favourable climatic conditions, improved fruit set and better growing techniques
Peru suspends pitahaya imports from Ecuador
Move follows discovery of unauthorised chemicals on a consignment destined for Peru
Peru leapfrogs Chile to become LatAm’s biggest fruit exporter
Shipments are projected to exceed US$10bn this year according to Midagri
Comment: Tropical fruit market outlook remains positive despite global challenges
Despite widespread geopolitical turmoil and economic challenges, the outlook for tropical fresh fruit remains extremely positive according to RaboResearch’s Cindy van Rijswick at the Fruitnet Tropicals Congress.
Reybanpac receives sustainability award from Guayaquil Chamber of Commerce
Banana company recognised for its social and environmental practices
Global avocado market surpasses US$20bn
New RaboResearch report shows new acreage and more diversified supply base is driving export growth
Arra Cherry Crush continues to gain ground and open new markets
Volumes are building in Brazil, while 2025 marked the first commercial shipments from India
Camposol opens Peruvian blueberry season in Asia with first ocean arrival
A new route from Chancay Port significantly reduced transit time