The Vice President of the Avocado Producers Association of that country told Avobook how the seasons of both origins can complement each other

As we previously reported in our Avonews section, Brazil is in advanced stages of beginning to export avocados to Chile. According to Cecilia Whately, vice president of the Brazilian Avocado Producers Association, the conditions are in place for the authorization process to be successfully completed.

“We’ve been in talks with Chile for a long time. Chile can already export to our country. And Brazil is now ready, as we’ve had many back-and-forths and technical visits. There are some pending processes, but they’re in their final stages,” Whately told Avobook, highlighting the strength of the technical work done to date.

The Chilean Ministry of Agriculture, through the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), and its Brazilian counterpart, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), have been collaborating closely to meet the necessary sanitary requirements, which would allow Chile to have a new complement for its season, a role that is currently fulfilled almost exclusively by Peru.

“A public consultation is still needed, which is part of the necessary legal process. But we believe that next year, during the next Brazilian harvest (late summer or early autumn harvest), we will be able to start shipping,” explained Cecilia Whately, anticipating the start of exports for the period between March and July.

Opportunities for Chile and Brazil

According to the vice president of the Brazilian Avocado Growers Association, the introduction of Brazilian avocados to the Chilean market presents a beneficial opportunity for both countries.

“Brazil would take advantage of Chilean demand during the months when local production decreases, while Chile could receive high-quality avocados, rich in dry matter and with a good percentage of oil,” he explained.

The Association has learned that these qualities are highly valued by Chilean consumers. During a 20-day visit to Chile, Whately witnessed firsthand the appreciation Chileans have for avocados.

“I asked people about their consumption and they told us they really like Chilean avocados. They don't like those from other countries as much, because they look for the same quality. However, they need fruit during some months when it's not available, and we are able to meet that quality requirement,” he noted, emphasizing the complementarity between the production of both countries.

Meanwhile, the producers' association in Brazil is working to increase domestic consumption, which also opens the door for the South American giant to absorb more Chilean exports.

“It’s the only country currently exporting avocados to Brazil. We have a huge potential market, and it’s a great opportunity for Chilean fruit. We’re doing marketing work to teach people how to consume avocados, incorporating Chilean uses. So, we make guacamole, we’re teaching them how to use it in salads, and now we’re cooking our rice with Hass avocado oil, and it turns out delicious,” Whately added.

With the final resolution underway and the public consultation pending, next year could see the first shipments of Brazilian avocados to Chilean lands, marking the beginning of agricultural cooperation in a sector where Brazil projects significant growth over the next five years, when the production of young trees currently being cultivated on a massive scale in the farms of Sao Paulo state becomes available.