Chilean raspberry industry poised for growth The increase of raspberry prices was a pleasant surprise last season for Chilean producers, who received up to nearly triple the value for the same quantity sold in previous years. Still, industrialists and exporters have not been as lucky. The freezing industry accounts for 66 percent of Chile's production and saw about a 20 percent growth in volumes exported, but this was not reflected in profits, due mostly a rise in the cost of raw materials. According to the International Raspberry Organization (IRO), the worlds main raspberry producers are harvesting less fruit. Serbia, for instance, was the main global producer in 2006, selling 72 million tons. This year, however, the Balkan country has not sold more than 50 million. This 27 percent drop has allowed other big producers, such as Poland and Chile, to catch up in the market. Climatic conditions and labor shortages have been responsible for these fruit market casualties, at least in European countries. In Chile, however, up until last year, low prices discouraged local producers, who in turn neglected crops, which obviously negatively impacted production. But now, the tables have turned: Chile has good prices before shortages begin at the end of the season, which makes the demand grow. Chilean berry leader Antonio Domínguez said it is too early to mention the cost of raspberries next season as it will depend on how the market develops in the next three months in Europe. Chile still has many advantages in the fruit market: The country is renowned for its stable climate, steady labor and quality of fruit, compared to other parts of the world. Recent studies, however, are revealing an abnormally high amount of pesticides used in the cultivation of Chilean fruit and vegetables, which can have a profound effect on consumer health and, possibly, on Chile's fruit and vegetable industry. Source: santiagotimes.cl

Publication date: 9/17/2008