Chile’s exports to the Middle East have increased exponentially, with huge growths in the nuts and dried fruits market.
In 2011, total food imports to the UAE from Chile amounted to US $59.16 million, 50% of the country’s total exports to the emirates.
Felix de Vicente, director of ProChile, the Chilean trade commission, announced at Gulfood that exports of walnuts to the UAE soared 573% from 2010 figures, making it the fourth largest destination. Meanwhile, there was a 257% increase in prunes exported to Turkey.
| Advertisement |
De Vincente said: “Our presence at Gulfood since 2008 has helped us in significantly increasing our food exports. With food exports being a strong contributor to out total exports, the Middle Eastern region is an import market for Chilean food products with Dubai serving as a gateway and export hub to reach other key markets.”
The dried fruit market in Chile overall posted a 433% increase in 2011.
Andres Rodriguez, executive president of Chilean Walnut Commission and Prune Processors and Exporters Association said: “The Chilean dried fruit industry is growing fast, forecasting $1 billion exports by 2015, with walnuts, prunes, almonds, hazelnuts and raisins as main products, positioning Chile as an important player in the international dried fruit supply.
Today, Chile is the number one prune exporter, and number two walnut exporter worldwide.”
Search our database of more than 2,700 industry companies
