Fedefruta president Antonio Walker says 60 importers have already confirmed attendance for networking event FRUITTRADE on Sept. 28-29 in Santiago, Chile.

The fruit union's event will bring together foreign buyers with around 1000 Chilean producers, along with export promoter ProChile. A maximum of 30 meetings per attendee will be available and can be reserved at www.fruittrade.cl.

Walker says the participants registered so far come from 32 different countries for the event at the Sheraton, looking to increase their role in a fruit and vegetable export market worth US$3.5 billion annually.

"With the current industry margins, it's important for producers to explore the possibility of participating in this platform of international trade, to diversify their markets and improve prices, which is something extremely important for the momentum of our sector," he says.

In July, Walker gave www.freshfruitportal.com the wrap about what to expect at FRUITTRADE, the opportunities, the investments Chile needs, and a new emphasis on fresh and semi-processed vegetables, and gourmet products.

www.freshfruitportal.com