Chilean fruit Imports Increasing

Twenty years ago produce volume this time of the year was a shadow of what it is today, and no country has contributed more to this than Chile.  Not only do consumers have more choices in supermarkets, but produce haulers have more loading opportunities.  Imports from Chile, mostly by boat, are arriving on both the East and West Coasts of the U.S.  Biggest volumes are coming in at ports in Philadelphia and Wilimington, NC in the east, and at Long Beach, CA.  Items range from blueberries to cherries and avocados, stone fruit  and table grapes.  The grape volume is still relatively light, but peak arrivals of should start occurring by late January and continue until May. Chile now provides about 25% of the world’s table grapes.  Boat arrivals also include stone fruit, which will be available through March.