Chilean market: impact of questions surrounding Peruvian fruit and the emergence of Brazil in its exports
In recent weeks, the Chilean Hass avocado market has been embroiled in public debate following the rejection of Peruvian fruit in Europe due to the presence of cadmium.
Although versions circulated on social media suggesting that these batches had been diverted to Chile, the Association of Producers and Exporters of Hass Avocados of Peru (ProHass) categorically ruled out that possibility.
“It is false and logistically unfeasible that containers rejected in Europe would reach Chile,” the trade association stated, clarifying that rejections represent only 0.05% of the more than 28,000 containers exported in 2025. Furthermore, they emphasized that each shipment adheres to strict traceability protocols and international certifications such as GLOBALG.AP, HACCP, and BRC, guaranteeing the safety and quality of the fruit that reaches the consumer.
On the Chilean side, the Avocado Committee highlighted the strength of the national control system. The Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) maintains rigorous oversight of products entering the country, which, according to the committee, ensures that “consumers have full confidence in the fruit available on the market.”
Alongside this controversy, expectations arose regarding Brazil's role as a new source of milk. However, the figures reflect that its initial contribution has been small, without a significant impact this season.
According to Avobook figures, only one Brazilian shipment was registered in May, when the Chilean season was nearing its end. From June onwards, Peru regained its leading position, reducing Brazil's opportunities to consolidate its presence.
Recent market trends confirm this interpretation. According to Avobook, the drop in volume observed in weeks 30 and 31 was due to a natural adjustment after the peak of the season, and not to any effects stemming from the health controversy. In fact, Peruvian shipments to Chile have remained close to 100 containers per week, double the amount recorded during the same period last year. No significant variations in Peruvian avocado prices have been detected either.
In this context, the Chilean market reaffirms its strategic importance for Peruvian avocados, accounting for approximately 99.7% of imports of this fruit in the neighboring country. Meanwhile, the challenge lies in dispelling the doubts generated by the rejections in Europe and maintaining the confidence of Chilean consumers, key to sustaining the growth of one of the main destinations for Peruvian avocados.
