Verfrut anticipates a 20% increase in stone fruit exports for the 2024-2025 season, equating to approximately 2.7 million boxes. The company faces challenges with specific varieties and seeks to optimize market approaches. With its recent acquisition by Unifrutti, Verfrut aims to enhance its operations and address the complexities of logistics and market demands.
Chile’s stone fruit season for 2024-2025 is currently active, with Verfrut projecting a 20% increase in exports compared to the previous season, leading to an estimated total of 2.7 million boxes. The company’s commercial director, Sebastián Rodríguez, highlighted challenges arising from early plum varieties and uncertainties surrounding nectarines in Asian markets. Additionally, this season’s fruit is generally smaller than in past seasons, prompting Verfrut to seek optimal markets for each variety to enhance profitability.
Rodríguez emphasized the significance of various markets; North America remains key for all three stone fruit varieties, while Asia is crucial for white-fleshed nectarines and high-Brix plums. He noted that Latin America is an essential market for peaches, and Europe and the UK are vital for nectarines and smaller plums. Despite the potential of the Chinese market, uncertainties persist due to the large volumes of cherries exported there this year and the country’s economic situation.
In early January 2024, Verfrut was acquired by Unifrutti, part of the Abu Dhabi ADQ group, to enhance its global fruit operations. Rodríguez expressed that the integration process is progressing well, with collaborative strategies being developed to align and complement respective markets. The company aims to build brand presence in select markets while assuring high-quality products to demonstrate the excellence of Chilean produce.
Key challenges include skyrocketing logistics costs, which are nearing pandemic levels, and unreliable service with frequent delays. Rodríguez pointed out that adverse weather conditions, such as heat waves in Chile and colder temperatures in destination markets, can impact both production and consumption. He underscored the need for exporters to avoid oversaturating markets to prevent collapsing prices and emphasized the importance of diversifying market avenues to sustain returns.
The Chilean stone fruit sector is facing an active export period for the 2024-2025 season. Verfrut, a significant player in the industry, is strategically planning to enhance its market presence and profitability amid various challenges such as fluctuating quality and logistical issues. The company’s acquisition by Unifrutti illustrates its commitment to solidifying its global fruit distribution capabilities. The global market for stone fruits underscores the importance of regional preferences, with distinct opportunities and risks associated with different geographical areas. The unique quality of Chilean stone fruits and concerted efforts in branding are integral to the company’s future success in these diverse markets. Transportation dynamics and external factors like weather also play a critical role in determining market outcomes.
In conclusion, Verfrut is poised to significantly increase its stone fruit exports this season, emphasizing strategic market positioning and overcoming challenges. With the acquisition by Unifrutti, the company aims to bolster its presence while maintaining quality. Nonetheless, logistical hurdles and market conditions require careful management to ensure profitability and growth in this competitive sector. Diversifying market strategies and adapting to consumer preferences will be fundamental as the company navigates this dynamic export landscape.
Original Source: www.freshplaza.com
