Chile: ASOEX joins Bachelet on presidential tour of U.S.
Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) directors traveled to the U.S. over the weekend as part of a presidential tour with their country's leader Michelle Bachelet, Agriculture Minister Carlos Furche and Foreign Trade Minister Heraldo Muñoz.
During a visit in June, U.S. President Barack Obama (right) said Bachelet (left) was his "second favorite Michelle".
Tomorrow the delegates will visit the key ports of Wilmington, Delaware and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which the association said received around 70% of Chile's U.S.-bound fruit exports.
During the visit, the delegation will meet with Delaware Governor Jack Markell and members of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
"Taking part in this activity, together with the President of the Republic, is important for the Chilean fruit export sector, as it highlights the work of our industry, together with the Government, that has been done to consolidate the prestige of our national fruit in this market," said ASOEX president Ronald Bown.
It is understood that many U.S. importers are expecting to receive more Chilean fruit this year, not only because of better weather conditions leading to larger crop volumes, but also because of the purchasing power that comes with a stronger dollar combined with the effects of weakened currencies in Europe and Russia.
"The United States, in terms of volume, is the main destination market for Chilean fresh fruit. Last season more than 750,000 metric tons (MT) were sent, with grapes, apples, blueberries, cherries, citrus fruit and avocados as the top items," Bown said.
The 2013-14 season volume represented a 12.5% year-on-year drop due to the effects of frosts in the spring of 2013, and port strikes.
Philadelphia and Wilmington received 424,940MT of Chilean fruit last season, followed by Los Angeles with 169,650MT, Long Beach with 39,801MT and PortMiami with 29,410MT.
In terms of fruit categories, table grapes led the way with 317,444MT, followed by apples (115,920MT), oranges (56,297MT) and avocados (54,611MT).
Subscribe to our newsletter
