Agronometrics Shorts: Chile Concludes Record-Breaking Stonefruit Season Amid Challenges

Chilean stone fruit exporters experienced a record-breaking 2023/24 season, achieving impressive growth despite facing various challenges. The total shipment volume reached 36.5 million cartons, marking an 18% increase compared to the previous season. The FOB sales value also saw significant growth, rising by 14% to US$519 million. The US market, which accounted for 19% of Chile’s total stone fruit exports, exhibited remarkable performance. Despite a slight 1% decrease in shipment volume, the value of exports to the US increased by 20%. Iván Marambio, president of Frutas de Chile, hailed these results as “a new era and recovery for the Chilean stone industry.” Ignacio Caballero, executive director of the newly formed Chilean Stone Fruit Committee, attributed the strong results to the fresh impetus provided by the committee’s establishment. He noted that the committee is set to represent almost 80% of the country’s total stone fruit exports next season. The US emerged as a crucial market for Chilean nectarines and peaches. Nectarine exports to the US accounted for 24% of total shipments, despite a decline of 11% from the previous season. Meanwhile, the US was the top destination for Chilean peaches, absorbing 48% of total exports. Caballero emphasized the potential for further growth in stonefruit shipments, driven by increasing demand and targeted marketing campaigns focused on the health benefits of stone fruit.

Cherries, Nectarines and Peaches Volumes (Kg) in the US Market | From Chile

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.

(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.

(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.

(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Written by Sarah Ilyas