Latin America becomes the main market for Southern Cone apples and pears

South America’s pome fruit industry is undergoing a profound transformation. According to a recent study by an Argentine analyst, export destinations have shifted dramatically over the past two decades — from northern markets to Latin American ones.

Twenty years ago, roughly two-thirds of apples and pears were shipped to Europe and North America, while only one-third stayed within Latin America. Today, that ratio has been reversed. In 2024, between 50% and 60% of Argentine and Chilean exports of these fruits went to Latin America. In Argentina’s case, up to 80% of apple exports remained within the region.

This reorientation is forcing exporters to rethink their strategies, adapting to Latin American consumer preferences in terms of varieties, quality, packaging, and logistics.

The main regional buyers are Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Mexico, and Paraguay, along with several Central American nations — including Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras — that import smaller but consistent volumes.

Brazil has emerged as the largest market in Latin America, importing around 150,000 tonnes of both apples and pears in 2024 — a dramatic increase from 2020 levels. Climate change has severely affected local production in Brazil’s southern states, transforming the country from a net exporter into a significant importer. Chile has benefited the most from this trend, sending 50,000–110,000 tonnes in recent years, while Argentina has expanded shipments from 20,000 to 35,000 tonnes.

Brazil’s demand is also becoming more diverse. Beyond Red Delicious, consumers increasingly prefer Gala — a locally familiar variety — and Cripps Pink (Pink Lady), making Brazil the second-largest market worldwide for this variety, after Europe. Argentine Williams and D’Anjou pears remain especially popular.

For Argentina, Brazil now absorbs 40–45% of total pome exports, while for Chile, it has overtaken Europe as the top destination, receiving over 112,000 tonnes of apples in 2024.

Other growing markets include Colombia, which imports 70,000–90,000 tonnes of apples and 15,000–20,000 tonnes of pears, mainly from Chile. Ecuador follows with 40,000–50,000 tonnes of apples and 10,000 tonnes of pears, while Peru’s rising middle class is driving annual imports of 35,000–40,000 tonnes of apples and up to 14,000 tonnes of pears.

Paraguay and Bolivia remain steady destinations, particularly for Argentine fruit, though trade is often informal and price-sensitive. Mexico, meanwhile, primarily purchases Argentine pears, importing 10,000–18,000 tonnes annually.

This new landscape confirms a broader reality: Latin America has become the growth engine of the Southern Cone’s apple and pear trade, reshaping export priorities and setting new standards for regional agrifood commerce.

source: frutasdechile.cl

photo: fruitsfromchile.com