Verfrut anticipates exporting 20% more stone fruits in the 2024-2025 season, totaling around 2.7 million boxes. While facing challenges such as market uncertainties and logistical issues, the company aims to optimize its strategies by targeting various global markets. The recent acquisition by Unifrutti is expected to enhance Verfrut’s market position as they strive to establish their brands and encourage off-season stone fruit consumption.
Chile’s stone fruit season for 2024-2025 is underway, with Verfrut expecting a 20% increase in exports compared to the previous season, reaching approximately 2.7 million boxes. Sebastián Rodríguez, Verfrut’s commercial director, noted current challenges such as issues with early plum varieties and market uncertainties in the U.S. and Asia. Additionally, this season’s fruit is smaller, prompting a focus on identifying optimal markets for profitability during the peak season for peaches, nectarines, and plums.
Rodríguez emphasized the significance of various markets, stating that North America remains crucial for all three fruit varieties. Asia is particularly vital for white-fleshed nectarines and high-Brix plums, while Latin America represents an essential market for peaches. Furthermore, he highlighted Europe and the UK as important for nectarines and smaller plums.
The Chinese market, however, poses uncertainties, especially following a year of substantial cherry exports and economic conditions in China. As of now, the situation appears stable compared to last year, with Verfrut exporting only white nectarines to China, which favors sweet, slightly acidic fruits with specific sizes and sugar content.
Verfrut underwent acquisition by Unifrutti in January 2024 as part of the Abu Dhabi ADQ group’s strategy to enhance its global fruit platform. Rodríguez noted that the integration process is progressing smoothly, allowing the companies to work collaboratively on market strategies and complementarities.
This year presents both opportunities and challenges for Verfrut. The company aims to establish its brands in key markets, uphold quality, and promote Chile’s exceptional products. Efforts will also be made to encourage northern hemisphere consumers to purchase stone fruits during the winter and to expand into less explored, promising market avenues.
Logistics present one of the most significant challenges, with rising transport costs approaching pandemic levels and unreliable service leading to delays. Adverse weather conditions, including heat waves in Chile and cold temperatures in receiving markets, could impact fruit production and consumption. Caution is necessary to avoid saturating markets, potentially damaging returns, underscoring the critical need for market diversification.
The article focuses on Chile’s stone fruit industry, specifically highlighting Verfrut’s strategies and expectations for the 2024-2025 season. It examines the company’s plans to increase exports significantly while navigating various challenges in the international market, including logistical issues and fluctuating demand. The piece also underscores the importance of different regional markets and Verfrut’s recent acquisition integration to strengthen its position in the global fruit industry.
Verfrut’s ambitions for the upcoming stone fruit season involve a notable increase in exports, despite challenges related to market conditions and logistics. The company remains optimistic about developing specific markets while promoting Chilean stone fruits effectively. Emphasizing a diverse market approach will be essential for sustaining profitability and navigating obstacles inherent in global fruit supply chains.
Original Source: www.freshplaza.com
