Chile’s exports to the United States continue to climb, but the nation’s growers and producers must continue to improve with value-added products, according to a study by the American-Chile Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) and CORFO Innova, El Mercurio’s Revista del Campo reported.

About 40% of Chile’s fresh produce exports go to the United States, according to the report. But most is pure fruit with no value added, and Chilean growers and exporters can take advantage of this niche, said Eduardo Santos, the former agricultural attaché from for Chile in the U.S., according to the website.

Lack of information, technical barriers and little training have limited development, Santos said, according to the website. Add in the lack of interest by many entrepreneurs, and the scenario is complicated.

Many producers “have not taken advantage of, or are not interested in growth opportunities,” Santo is quoted as saying.  “We must develop, strengthen and favor the food agriculture business that we have. Today we are not doing enough to maintain it and inspire it to grow.”

Among the suggestions for improvement were:

--Developing promotion strategies and improving the country’s image

--Offering products for certain niches, such as children or senior citizens

--Improving process technology

--Forming strategic alliances

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com