Chilean kiwifruit exports have shot up 16 percent this season, including product destined for the United States. Meanwhile, a full crop of avocados for exports is being reported from Chile.
The South American country has been struggling since 2012 when disease issues crippled the kiwi industry.
The Chilean Kiwifruit Committee reveals favorable growing and harvest conditions helped the industry achieve one of its key objectives: securing maturity across producing regions.
Growers delayed harvests a few days to increase yields and improve maturity. Favorable fall weather, including the absence of significant frosts and limited rainfall disruption, supported harvest operations.
Despite high quality across production areas, some growers reported a higher share of smaller fruit, due to a longer flowering period, which often leads to uneven fruit development.
The committee reports US demand has returned to historical levels after buyers adopted a more cautious approach in 2025 amid tariff uncertainty. European imports of Chilean kiwis have also increased, supported by lower availability of Greek fruit and quality challenges reported in that market.
Demand remains steady across Latin America, particularly in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina. Meanwhile, India continues to emerge as one of the most important growth markets for Chilean kiwifruit exports.
Avocado Exports
New Zealand is gearing up for a bumper crop of 7.8 million trays for the current 2026/27 season. But this larger-than-usual crop is also set to bring one of the largest export campaigns the sector has seen in recent years, with 4.8 million trays destined for international markets, according to local news outlet SunLive.
New Zealand Avocado reports estimates remain uncertain and are still subject to crop load, harvest timing, fruit quality and changing market conditions. However, if forecasts hold, shipments would approach record volumes set by the industry in 2021.
As a result, the industry has expanded its export plans, and with pack-out rates projected to rise up to 60 percent, the local market might see lower volumes than last year.