After years of effort, organic table grapes from Chile will make their debut in the U.S. this week, marking a significant milestone for growers in the region. This achievement was made possible by the implementation of the Systems Approach, which allows grapes to be exported to the U.S. without the need for fumigation, opening up new market opportunities for organic fruit producers.
TerraFresh Organics, a leading company in the industry, was among the first to import these organic grapes, which are set to arrive in Philadelphia. Fernando Valle, Chief Operations Officer at TerraFresh, expressed his excitement about this development, stating that the company had been working towards importing organic grapes from Chile for over three decades. He highlighted the strategic timing of the arrival, following the completion of the Peruvian grape season, which has left a gap in the South American organic grape market.
The collaboration between TerraFresh, El Cerrito, and Agricola San Pablo in Chile, facilitated by Subsole, has paved the way for this historic shipment. However, the recent global tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump have raised concerns within the industry. Valle acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the potential impact of these tariffs but remained optimistic about the demand for organic grapes in the market.
The introduction of the Systems Approach has been a game-changer for organic fruit importers, as it has finally granted access to the lucrative U.S. market for Chilean growers. Valle acknowledged that there may be initial skepticism among growers due to the additional costs associated with compliance and the high-quality standards required for shipping grapes to the U.S. However, he expressed confidence in the expertise of Subsole, a trusted exporter with a track record of maintaining high standards in the industry.
Despite the positive development, challenges such as port congestion in East Coast ports have posed logistical hurdles for the industry. Valle highlighted the ongoing struggles with port and cold storage congestion, which have impacted the movement of fruit and prices. Nevertheless, he expressed pride in the partnership with Subsole, facilitated through Frutura, which has enabled TerraFresh to be at the forefront of introducing organic Chilean table grapes to the U.S. market.
Looking ahead, Valle emphasized the importance of evaluating the results of this initial season to determine the potential for future growth in the market. He underscored the significance of maintaining quality standards and meeting consumer demand to ensure the success of organic grape exports from Chile.
In conclusion, the entry of organic table grapes from Chile into the U.S. market represents a significant achievement for the industry, made possible by the implementation of the Systems Approach. Despite challenges such as tariffs and port congestion, stakeholders remain optimistic about the prospects for organic grape exports and are committed to delivering high-quality produce to meet consumer demand. The partnership between TerraFresh and Subsole serves as a testament to the collaboration and innovation driving the success of the organic fruit industry.
