New Protocol Enhances Quality and Competitiveness of Chilean Grapes in the U.S. Market After 24 Years of Negotiation

After 24 years of dedicated efforts and negotiations, Chile and the United States have successfully launched the Systems Approach for Chilean table grapes. This significant milestone was celebrated with a ceremony in Copiapó on June 28, attended by key industry stakeholders, including Chile’s Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela, and the United States Ambassador to Chile, Bernadette Meehan, among others.

The newly approved Systems Approach replaces the traditional methyl bromide fumigation with a series of mitigation measures implemented at the origin.

This advancement not only enhances the quality and condition of the grapes in the destination market but also boosts their competitiveness against other southern hemisphere countries exporting to the U.S. market. This system, as outlined in the Produce BlueBook report, is a crucial development for the Chilean fresh fruit industry.

Chile’s Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela, emphasized the significance of this development for the regions of Atacama, Coquimbo, and part of Valparaíso, which are major producers and exporters of table grapes to the U.S. “This is very important. After cherries, table grapes are the country’s main fruit export, valuing US$1 billion, and almost half of Chile’s production goes to the United States. This is very significant at a time when the economy is reactivating and we need to recover jobs from the central-northern regions,” he stated during the ceremony, which also saw the attendance of Senator Yasna Provoste and Senator Rafael Prohens.

The United States Ambassador to Chile, Bernadette Meehan, expressed her enthusiasm for the measure, stating, “I am very happy and proud to be here to announce that Chile has obtained approval for the Systems Approach for table grapes. The United States is the main market for Chilean grapes, and this protocol benefits not only the workers but also the economy and the people of the Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaíso regions. We have worked hard for almost 24 years. This is another example of the very close relationship between the United States and Chile.”

Undersecretary of International Economic Relations, Claudia Sanhueza, highlighted the broader implications of this development, noting that it reinforces the strong bilateral ties between Chile and the United States. The two countries have celebrated 201 years of diplomatic relations and 20 years since the entry into the Free Trade Agreement.

“This is an opportunity for producers in the Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaíso regions to boost their competitiveness in the U.S. market.

They can increase the quality of their products and improve their entry conditions and value to compete in markets that increasingly demand greater sustainability and adaptation to climate change,” she added.

Ivan Marambio, President of Frutas de Chile, described the approval as a historic event for Chilean table grapes. “Chile is a grape-growing country. Our traditional fruit is grapes, and the Systems Approach will help to improve our competitiveness.

The consumers in our largest market, the United States, will be able to enjoy a higher quality grape. With the Systems Approach, Chile has the possibility of exporting 60% of our grapes without fumigation. This is extraordinary, and it will allow us to be more competitive in the global market.”

Furthermore, Minister Valenzuela reiterated the commitment to continue collaborating with the industry and international markets. “We have the task of continuing to work with the industry and with the United States and also other markets, so that the Metropolitan region, O’Higgins, and Maule, which have significant grape acreage, can also be part of this very good news,” he remarked.

In 2023, Chilean grape exports totaled US$905 million, reaching 72 destinations worldwide. Exports to the United States alone accounted for US$431 million, representing nearly 50% of Chile’s fresh grape shipments and solidifying the U.S. as Chile’s largest market for grapes. This new approach is expected to further strengthen Chile’s position in the global market, enhancing both the quality and competitiveness of its table grape exports.