Chilean table grape exports to rise by 5% in 2023-24

The first estimate of Chile’s 2023-24 table grape campaign indicates a 5% growth in exports, according to the Chilean Exporters’ Association (ASOEX). Shipments for the upcoming season are estimated at 63.78 million 18 pound boxes, with 63% of that total consisting of new varieties, as the country looks to varietal transition to regain ground lost to Peru’s exponential expansion in the sector.

This projection is based on information provided by the committee’s member companies, which represent 82% of the country’s total table grape shipments. 

“This growth is mainly due to an increase in the production of new varieties, which allows us to project that they will represent 63% of the country’s total exports of fresh grapes this season, amounting to close to 40 million boxes,” said ASOEX President Iván Marambio. 

Traditional varieties, including Red Globe, are expected to reach around 23.5 million boxes. This visible increase in new cultivars is in line with the committee’s strategy to reach 70% of new varieties in total table grape shipments within the next two years.

The US remains the main destination market for Chilean table grapes, despite multiple woes delaying the approval of the Systems Approach protocol for exports. For the upcoming 2023-24 term, the US is projected to take 56% of overall shipments, with Asia and Europe following with a 19% and 16% share, respectively.

As for colour, the committee’s coordinator, Ignacio Caballero, notes that white grapes experienced the biggest growth. “The colour with the highest growth is white grapes, with an increase of 16% over the previous season, and where the growth of the Sweet Globe, Autumn Crisp and Arra 15 varieties stand out,” he said.