The Chilean stone fruit industry is poised for a comprehensive transformation, as industry leaders call for a strategic overhaul following recent challenges in the export sector.
Speaking at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) meeting in Santiago, Juan Pablo Mozó, Commercial Manager at Greenvic, emphasized the urgent need for a shift in the development model.
This call to action comes on the heels of a reported two percent decline in stone fruit exports for the 2025/26 season, with total shipments reaching 295,000 metric tons.
Mozó highlighted that increased shipments to Asia, particularly of nectarines and plums, coupled with weather-induced quality issues, have placed the industry in a precarious position.
“Quality is no longer a competitive advantage; today it is a minimum requirement to remain in the market,” Mozó stressed, pointing to the need for regaining international consumer trust to ensure future growth.
- Chilean stone fruit industry plans strategic overhaul due to export challenges.
- 2025/26 season exports declined by 2%, totaling 295,000 metric tons.
- High concentration of production in January causes market saturation issues.
- Emphasis on quality standards and technological advancements for future growth.
- Collaboration and long-term vision are crucial for industry success.
The industry faces significant bottlenecks, with approximately 53 percent of production concentrated in January, creating market saturation and logistical challenges.
Mozó stressed the importance of optimizing the weekly export curve to prevent market collapse within a single month.
Another critical issue is the industry’s heavy reliance on the Chinese market, which has driven a shift towards white-flesh nectarine varieties.
However, with China’s economic slowdown impacting consumer spending, demand for imported fruit has waned.
Mozó urged the industry to accelerate market access in alternative regions such as Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and Latin America, where premium prices can be obtained.
He emphasized that prioritizing early-season market arrival over a positive eating experience has been detrimental, as shipping fruit with low maturity damages the category’s reputation.
Furthermore, the industry lags in updating to market-demanded varietals, with many orchards still producing older varieties unsuitable for long-distance transit.
Mozó criticized the practice of marketing multiple distinct varieties under a single name, which affects the reputation of superior fruit.
He called for a unified strategy focusing on quality standards, supply management, and technological advancements like traceability.
“Quality, collaboration, and a long-term vision will be the keys to seizing the enormous potential that the stone fruit industry still has,” Mozó concluded.
He warned that prioritizing immediate benefits could result in losing a historic opportunity for growth.
