The Ñuble region confirms its strategic role in Chile's agri-food industry thanks to the imminent construction of a new cherry packing plant by New Day Fruits (NDF). The project, part of the investment attraction program promoted by the Regional Government, includes a minimum processing capacity of 3.2 million kilograms of cherries per season.
The investment is supported by private and public funds, with co-financing of 645 million Chilean pesos (about €685,000). Objective: create added value in the region, avoid offshoring of processing, and strengthen the logistics infrastructure for exports.
According to the latest ODEPA fruit cadastre, Ñuble already has over 3,000 hectares cultivated with cherries. With the new NDF facility, more than 260 direct jobs are expected, and up to 3,000 indirect jobs during peak season. This is an important employment driver, especially for local communities.
The initiative is part of the “Fortalecimiento y Atracción de Inversiones Productivas de Base Tecnológica” (IFI) program, managed by Corfo Ñuble, designed to strengthen the regional industry and improve producers' competitiveness. The goal is ambitious: to reach five operational packing plants in the next two years, turning Ñuble into one of Chile's main cherry hubs for export.
During a site visit, regional governor Óscar Crisóstomo emphasized the importance of the project:
"We are promoting investments in two key sectors: technology and agroindustry. Cherries are growing strongly in our region, and this new packing plant will be a benchmark for other producers as well."
The new facility will also be open to external suppliers, offering third-party packing services and enhancing local production.
The strategy of the Regional Government is not limited to the NDF project. In parallel, other ventures are emerging, such as the new Exportadora Cordillera plant and the innovative Chilean Marroni Frozen facility dedicated to processing and freezing chestnuts. Both initiatives exceed 700 million pesos (about €745,000) in investment.
With the IFI program still open to new applicants, Ñuble presents itself as a fertile ground for innovation and the growth of Chilean agroindustry.
The construction of the new NDF facility marks a decisive step towards a more integrated and competitive cherry supply chain. If the growth trend continues, Ñuble could become a model for other Chilean regions seeking sustainable development and territorial enhancement. A bet on cherries, but also on the future of high-tech agriculture in the country.
Source text and images: diariofruticola.cl
30 Jun 2023
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