Chile’s kiwi industry prepares for growth with quality in focus

Chile’s kiwi industry is preparing for a period of significant production growth as new orchards begin adding more fruit to the market. However, the country’s Kiwi Committee has warned that expansion without strict quality control could damage Chile’s position with international buyers and consumers.

Carlos Cruzat, president of the committee, said the industry must coordinate decisions across production, packing, logistics and exports before the additional volumes reach the market. The main concern is that low-quality shipments could weaken consumer confidence in Chilean kiwifruit at a time when demand for the category is particularly strong.

Quality must accompany higher volumes

The committee believes that production growth itself is not a problem. The risk comes when fruit fails to meet expectations for size, condition, flavour, maturity or storage performance.

Poor-quality fruit can affect more than one individual exporter. In closely connected international markets, disappointing shipments may harm the reputation of the entire Chilean kiwi category and make buyers more cautious about future programmes.

The sector is therefore being encouraged to agree on common standards and ensure that fruit entering export channels is suitable for the destination market.

Focus on orchards and post-harvest performance

An industry meeting scheduled for 30 July will examine the commercial and technical measures needed to manage the expected growth.

The programme will cover developments in major markets, including the United States, together with broader changes in the global kiwi business. Chilean exporters and commercial specialists are also expected to discuss how the country can respond to changing demand.

Technical sessions will focus on the management of both young and established orchards. Topics will include pollination, improving fruit size and strengthening storage capacity so that kiwis can maintain their condition during transport and distribution.

Avoiding pressure on prices

Chile’s kiwi sector is also studying the experience of other fruit categories where rapid production increases were followed by oversupply, weaker prices and difficulties maintaining quality.

The committee said the current international market offers a valuable opportunity because kiwi consumption and consumer interest remain high. Nevertheless, growing volumes must be managed carefully to prevent an increase in unsuitable fruit or excessive pressure on export markets.

For Chilean growers and exporters, the next stage will depend not only on producing more kiwis, but on supplying fruit that can meet commercial requirements consistently throughout the season.

source and photo: frutasdechile.cl