GP Graders expands its operations in Chile to support blueberry industry growth

Currently, Chile is the largest global exporter of blueberries. According to Asoex's Blueberry Committee, the 2017/2018 campaign was positive. The country exported more than 110 thousand tons of blueberries in this campaign, i.e. 6% more than in the previous  season and a new record for the industry. And Peru is not far behind.

Chile and Peru have become one of the most predominant and active players in the cherry market due to their favourable climates and harvesting conditions. The export value of cherries from Chile in 2018 equated to $1.08 billion USD, almost doubling from the $514 million USD which was recorded in 2017.

“This extraordinarily  high growth in both the blueberry and cherry industries in Chile indicates the need for the market to be reshaped. Chilean  growers and packers require access to the highest quality grading and packing equipment, in order to maximize their output levels and deliver consistent, premium quality produce,” said Stuart Payne, CEO of GP Graders.

On March 26  in Melbourne, Australia GP Graders have expanded their team of support staff in Chile, benefitting Chilean and Peruvian blueberry growers and packers with assistance, maintenance and local industry knowledge and advice. The recent boom of Chilean and Peruvian fresh product exports, particularly in blueberries and cherries, has led GP Graders to expand their team to assist growers and service this growing market.

“By expanding the Chilean team, we hope to assure South American growers that their innovative grading solutions are serviced and maintained correctly, and that support is not far away,”- continues Stuart Payne-

 “At GP Graders, we are pleased to grow our team in Chile in order to enhance our suite of pre-season, throughout-season and post-season service and training to assist growers and packers who have implemented our grading solutions.”“We are committed and driven to assist the blueberry and cherry industries, innovating and bringing new solutions and technology to the market”.

GP Graders’ recent innovation, AirJet^TM Vision, is a clear example of this, delivering impressive results in quantity and export quality. Their significant investment in the advancement of vision grading technology utilized for the cherry and blueberry industries is providing Chilean growers and packers with the ability to maximise output and ultimately, increase exports.

For more information:

Stuart Payne

CEO

GP Graders

+61 428 544 005

Christina Kortesis

Media Manager

+61 3 9692 7600