FROM MONTE PATRIA AND OVALLE TO THE WORLD Raisins, walnuts and almonds from Limarí desired in international markets

The nuts and dehydrated fruit producing sector is of economic importance for Chile, since it contributes to strengthening non-copper exports. In this area, our country stands out as the third world exporter of raisins and shelled nuts. At the regional level, the Limarí Valley is gaining ground in terms of international trade in these foods along with almonds. The climate of the area favors the quality of the fruits, offering an advantage so that they are widely demanded in highly demanding world markets. In the town of Chañaral Alto in Monte Patria, the Doña Patricia agricultural company in 2013 began with the challenge of exporting raisins of various sizes and varieties. The first destinations were Taiwan and England. Since then, each year they have added clients and today they sell around 2 million kilos annually to different corners of the world. Their export manager, Christopher Ponce, indicates that in America they have established stable businesses with Peru, Ecuador, ...