By PortalPortuario Editorial Team
@PortalPortuario
Table grape inspection. Image: SAG
The Agricultural and Livestock Service of the Ministry of Agriculture of Chile reported that the Mexican health authority has approved a pilot plan for the Systems Approach for exporting Chilean table grapes to that market. This approach eliminates fumigation in the fruit shipping process, allowing the product to arrive at its destination in better condition.
As a result of negotiations between the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) and the National Service of Health, Safety and Food Quality of Mexico (Senasica), grape producers from the Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaíso regions will be able to participate in the Systems Approach pilot starting in the upcoming 2024-2025 season.
The Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela, stated that “this is excellent news that will have a positive impact on our grape producers, as it reduces costs and improves the quality of the fruit. This is highly valued. With this announcement from the Mexican health authority, we reaffirm the excellent relationship that exists between our health authorities and the thoroughness with which the SAG and the industry are evaluated beyond our borders.”
SAG National Director, José Guajardo Reyes, highlighted that “this achievement results from the meticulous and ongoing work we have conducted at the Service in close collaboration with our counterpart in Mexico, Senasica, and the export sector. Earlier this year, in February, I traveled to Mexico to supervise the pilot plan that tested the Systems Approach in table grape shipments from the Coquimbo region. We proceeded cautiously, rigorously adhering to each of the sanitary requirements set by the Mexican authorities. Today, with the expansion of the Systems Approach pilot plan, we celebrate this progress that greatly benefits the grape sector and all involved in its production. At SAG, we are committed to continuing to open opportunities for other products and countries.”
Ivan Marambio, president of Fruits of Chile, indicated that “we celebrate this announcement by Senasica as it allows us to continue progressing in our strategy to eliminate fumigation from Chilean fruit processes, especially table grapes. This not only helps us grow as an increasingly sustainable sector, but it also enables us to export grapes with better quality, condition, and competitiveness to the Mexican market, benefiting Chilean producers and exporters, as well as Mexican importers and consumers.”
In addition, Miguel Canala-Echeverría, general manager of Fruits of Chile, explained that “recently, the USDA-APHIS published the Systems Approach standard for shipping our table grapes to the United States. Today, Mexico has approved the measure that allows us to replace fumigation with Methyl Bromide with an inspection system for shipments of table grapes from Atacama, Coquimbo, and part of Valparaíso.”
“Furthermore, we are working with the SAG to find the best way to extend the Systems Approach for grapes to the entire Valparaíso region for both Mexico and the United States. Additionally, we are interested in extending the Systems Approach for exporting fresh Chilean blueberries to the United States from the Maule and O’Higgins regions. This will require collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, SAG, and grape and blueberry producers and exporters to control pests of interest to both markets, which, as a preventive measure, require fumigation,” he added.
According to Canala-Echeverría, “this Mexican approval is part of the successful pilot program we implemented from January to March of this year, where we exported table grapes under the Systems Approach (without fumigation) from the Coquimbo region. This allowed SAG to propose to Senasica the implementation of this system for additional regions during the meeting held at the end of June.”
Figures
In the 2023-2024 season, Chile regained its position as the leading exporter of table grapes in the southern hemisphere, shipping over 64 million boxes of fresh grapes (approximately 528,795 tons) valued at over USD 1,000 million FOB. This represented an increase in both volume (+7%) and value (+13%) of table grape exports compared to the previous year, despite climatic challenges that caused a production decline.
Within this volume, new varieties of table grapes accounted for about 39 million boxes, representing a 62% share of total exports to the world.
Currently, the United States is the primary destination for Chilean table grapes, receiving 61% of the total exported globally. Meanwhile, Mexico was the leading recipient of Chilean fresh grapes in Latin America during the last season, with 13,741 tons, reflecting a 23.3% increase compared to the previous season.
Regarding the Systems Approach, the president of Frutas de Chile commented that “starting next season, we will be able to begin shipping fresh grapes to Mexico and the United States from Atacama, Coquimbo, and part of Valparaíso. These regions export more than 31 million boxes to the world, with about 60% of that amount destined for the US market.”
“Mexico is the leading destination in Latin America for Atacama and Coquimbo, with shipments exceeding 3,000 tons. Within Latin America, Mexico is the third destination for grapes produced in Valparaíso, with over 1,000 tons,” he added.
By PortalPortuario Editorial Team
@PortalPortuario
Mexican Health Authority Approves Pilot Program for Chilean Table Grape Exports
Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) of the Ministry of Agriculture of Chile recently announced an important development in the export of Chilean table grapes. The Mexican health authority has approved a pilot plan for the Systems Approach for the export of Chilean table grapes to Mexico. This new approach eliminates the necessity of fumigation in the shipping process, resulting in improved quality of the fruit upon arrival.
Details of the Pilot Plan
This initiative is the outcome of extensive negotiations between the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) and the National Service of Health, Safety, and Food Quality of Mexico (Senasica). Chilean grape producers from the Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaíso regions are set to participate in this pilot program, scheduled to commence with the 2024-2025 season.
Ministerial Statements
Esteban Valenzuela, Minister of Agriculture, remarked, “This is great news that will have a positive impact on our grape producers, as it reduces costs, and the quality of the fruit is significantly improved. This announcement by the Mexican health authority confirms the strong relationship between our health authorities and underscores the diligence with which SAG and the industry are evaluated internationally.”
Importance of Collaboration
José Guajardo Reyes, National Director of SAG, emphasized that “this achievement stems from the diligent and ongoing work carried out in collaboration with Senasica and with the export sector. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit Mexico and supervise a pilot plan testing the Systems Approach in grape shipments from the Coquimbo region. This progression has greatly benefited the grape sector and all stakeholders involved in its production.”
Industry Insights
Ivan Marambio, president of Fruits of Chile, expressed enthusiasm for this development, pointing out that eliminating fumigation aligns with their strategy toward more sustainable agricultural practices. “This will allow us to export grapes in superior condition and enhance our competitiveness in the Mexican market,” he stated.
Miguel Canala-Echeverría, general manager of Fruits of Chile, provided additional context: “Recently, the USDA-APHIS published standards for the Systems Approach concerning table grape shipments to the United States. With Mexico now on board, we can replace Methyl Bromide fumigation with an inspection system in shipments from select Chilean regions.”
Future Developments and Goals
Canala-Echeverría elaborated on ongoing efforts to expand the Systems Approach for table grapes to a broader scope, including the entire Valparaíso region and beyond, encompassing exports of fresh Chilean blueberries as well.
Recent Achievements in Export Data
For the 2023-2024 season, Chile has regained its status as the leading exporter of table grapes in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 64 million boxes of grapes shipped (approximately 528,795 tons) valued at over USD 1 billion FOB. This represents a 7% increase in volume and a 13% increase in value compared to the previous year, all despite climatic challenges impacting production.
Breakdown of Export Markets
The data highlights key insights into the destination markets for Chilean table grapes:
| Export Destination | Percentage of Total Exports | Volume (tons) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 61% | Approximately 38.8 million |
| Mexico | 23.3% increase from last season | 13,741 |
| Other Latin America | Remainder | Varies |
Significance of the Systems Approach
The transition to a Systems Approach not only favors the Chilean grape producers but significantly enhances the quality of grapes reaching consumers. This method highlights the meticulous standards adhered to by Chilean authorities, thereby increasing confidence in the safety and quality of exported products.
Creating a Sustainable Future
The approval of this pilot program is part of a broader vision that aims to establish more sustainable agricultural practices while enhancing the international reputation of Chile as a top-quality grape producer. The implementation of the Systems Approach is a pivotal step toward achieving this goal.
With ongoing efforts to improve agricultural exports through collaborative frameworks with authorities like Senasica, the future of Chilean grape exports looks promising.
