Coquimbo advances new fruit inspection site with $4.31 million investment

Authorities in Chile’s Coquimbo region and Frutas de Chile have confirmed plans to advance the construction of a new phytosanitary inspection facility aimed at supporting growing fruit exports to the United States. The project includes a public-private investment of approximately CLP 4,000 million (USD ~4.31 million), with the regional government funding infrastructure while the industry provides land and operational support.

The first stage will involve tendering technical designs in 2026, with construction scheduled to begin the following year. The new facility is intended to expand inspection capacity for products such as blueberries, cherries, avocados, citrus and pomegranates, as the existing site in Pan de Azúcar is no longer sufficient for projected export volumes.

During the last season, fresh fruit exports from the Coquimbo region exceeded 244,000 tonnes, representing a 14% increase year on year. The United States remains the main destination, receiving about 70% of shipments. Table grapes accounted for 53% of exports to the U.S., followed by mandarins with 34% and lemons with 10%.

The new inspection site is expected to reduce logistics costs and strengthen export competitiveness by allowing fruit to be inspected locally rather than transported to facilities in other regions.

source and photo: frutasdechile.cl