Frozen cherries and raspberries are driving growth in the Chilean agro-industry. Between January and August 2026, exports of processed fruit and vegetables reached US$2.271 billion (approximately €2.010 billion), up 7% compared with the same period in 2025.
The result was mainly supported by the frozen products segment, where growth in volumes was accompanied by an increase in average prices.
According to data from SUBREI, the sector recorded stronger growth than the food industry as a whole, which generated exports worth US$9.457 billion (approximately €8.370 billion), an increase of 3.6%.
Exports of frozen products rose by 13%, reaching US$607 million (approximately €537 million). The segment therefore accounted for more than one quarter of the export value generated by Chile’s fruit and vegetable agro-industry during the period under review.
Frozen raspberries stood out with a 63% increase in value, while frozen cherries grew by 51%.
These results were driven by both higher volumes shipped and higher prices. For raspberries, export volumes increased by 33%, while the average price rose by 23%.
Cherries, meanwhile, recorded growth of 32% in volumes and 15% in the average price.
The United States remains the leading destination for Chilean frozen products, followed by Australia, Canada, Japan and South Korea.
The category also expanded its international presence: the number of destination markets increased from 60 in 2025 to 63 between January and August 2026.
This expansion accompanies the growth in sales and points to greater commercial diversification.
The picture for the other segments was less favourable. Exports of purees fell by 14% in value, mainly due to the decline in tomato paste.
Concentrated juices (-13%), dehydrated products (-7%) and preserves (-3%) also declined.
The reasons vary between categories. For purees and preserves, the decline in export value was partly linked to lower average prices.
In the case of concentrated juices, however, the main factor was the decline in shipped volumes.
Despite the differences between segments, the international presence of the agro-industry remains broad. During the first eight months of 2026, Chilean processed fruit and vegetables reached 105 countries.
The United States and Italy lead the ranking of destinations, each accounting for a 16% share, followed by Germany at 8%.
The geographical expansion of preserves is particularly significant: within one year, the number of markets served increased from 43 to 70, despite a decline in export value.
Commenting on the August results, Juan Manuel Mira, president of Chilealimentos, highlighted the growth rate of the agro-industry, which exceeded that of overall food exports, as well as the key contribution of frozen products.
According to Mira, the simultaneous increase in volumes and prices of raspberries and cherries reflects the sector’s ability to add value and respond to international demand.
The results for the period therefore highlight two key factors for the outlook of the Chilean agro-industry: the contribution of frozen products to growth and the expansion of destination markets.
For cherries, growth in both volumes and average prices confirms the importance of processing within the export supply chain.
Source: www.diariofruticola.cl
Image source: Gourmet Versand
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