Opportunities and challenges in the Chinese market for Chilean peaches and apricots

On October 17, Chile and China signed a trade agreement for the export of Chilean apricots and peaches. It is in this context that we spoke with some industry players to find out their opinion regarding the new business opportunity and the challenges facing the sector. Iván Marambio, president of Frutas de Chile, indicated “the opening of peaches and apricots is great news for the Chilean fruit industry, because the Chinese consumer is prone to peaches, so it gives us an opportunity.” The partner – director of Geofrut, Cristian Echeverria agrees that opening the market is a good alternative, but indicated “but Chile in recent years has had very little renewal of varieties, therefore, having the appropriate varieties in terms of brix and life postharvest is essential.” Marcia Barraza, sales manager of Viveros El Tambo commented that they are working with genetic programs and that interest in apricots and peaches has increased, given the opening of the China market. Regarding the ...