Chile-based consulting and research company Decofrut has opened a new office in the Middle East, which receives around 7 million boxes of fresh Chilean produce annually.

President Manuel Alcaíno said a new office was also being opened in South Africa.

"Although South Africa doesn't import much fruit, it produces and exports a lot, and for that reason it needs our services," he said.

He explained that the new office in the Middle East would be located in Dubai but would also cover operations in Saudi Arabia.

"96% of the 7 million boxes exported from Chile to the Middle East ends up in these two countries," he said. Dubai receives 33% of Chilean exports to the region and Saudi Arabia takes 63%, he said. 

"Apples, grapes and, since a short while ago, kiwifruit are the main products exported there from Chile," he said.

He also noted the nut and dried fruit markets were strong in the Middle East, adding that avocados were now being shipped there in low volumes.

"I don't believe that there is going to be a boom in demand [for Chilean fruit] because it has taken us a long time to reach these levels and it is a relatively stable market," he said.

"A change could come for the avocado market, and the cherry market could grow to an attractive level, but I believe that the citrus market, especially oranges, could be the great opportunity here."

Alcaíno highlighted that with around 95% of Chilean citrus exports going to the U.S., it would be wise to explore new markets other than the Americas for the category.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com