Chilean fruit exports to Vietnam

Over the past 30 years, Chile has helped secure the food supplies of many countries through cooperative efforts, combined with economic and political integration efforts. A recent sharp increase in Chilean fruit exports to Vietnam illustrates this point. Chile now enjoys a 0.75% market share in this nation according to ProChile’s latest research on the topic. The 2008 report includes an in-depth analysis of Chilean fresh fruit’s performance in the Vietnamese niche markets.

Vietnamese fruit production is much lower than that of Chile. This, combined with its growth in recent years, makes it an especially attractive market for Chilean exports.

In 2007, fresh fruit exports to Vietnam increased significantly, reaching $ 240 million. Pistachios, cashews, apples, almonds, hazelnuts, grapes, pears and nuts constitute Chile’s chief fruit exports to Vietnam.

According to ProChile’s report, Vietnam has nearly 750 hectares dedicated to fruit production. This is equivalent to 6.5 million tons of tropical fruit and the aforementioned key export crops. However, Vietnamese production is expected to rise to 9 million tons by 2010.

Thankfully, Chile has been proactive on exports. In 2002, exports totaled just $259,000. By 2007, however, they reached $1.8 million. As such, ProChile opened a trade office in Ho Chi Minh City. Since its opening in 2006, it has primarily promoted and identified fresh fruit distributors in Vietnam’s most important cities.

The most commonly consumed fruit in Vietnam include the following: Red Delicious, Royal Gala, Fuji and Granny Smith apples; and Red Globe, Thompson Seedless and Ribier grapes. These exports are aimed at positioning Chile in the international market and promoting corporate image in Vietnam.

The trade office and the efforts of entrepreneurs in the fields of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, have strengthened trade and cultural ties between Chile and Vietnam. Ties have been consolidated in order that exports and imports can occur in a framework of cooperation that is conducive to economic development in both nations.