Chile's walnut industry has pledged to increase production and diversify markets over the next few years in a bid to keep prices buoyant.

Trade body Chilenut said it was aware volumes were likely to increase significantly over the next four years, and to avoid saturation it would be looking to spread its export destinations.

Chilenut president Juan Luis Vial, said that for the latter part of this year Asia had been a key focus.

He said the industry has visited Japan, Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and India this year, with support from the government's marketing body ProChile.

Vial said the sector had gained insight into the domestic market of these countries, their marketing channels and key information for developing business strategies.

He said 2012 looked to be a promising year for prices and markets for walnuts, as well as nuts in general, due to an increase in world consumption and a slight decrease in U.S. production.

Photo: Tienda.fisuade.com

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