Latin America: new direction for pome fruits from Argentina and Chile

In recent years, there has been a major shift in the South American pome fruits industry, shifting from a focus on Europe and North America to a focus on Latin American countries. Twenty years ago, two-thirds were shipped to northern markets and only one-third to Latin America, but this ratio has now been reversed. By 2024, 50-60% of Argentine and Chilean pears and apples will be destined for Latin America. In the case of Argentine apples, this percentage will even reach 80%. This shift in the importance of destinations requires a shift in industry strategies, focusing on what Latin American consumers are looking for, whether in terms of varieties, quality, packaging, and logistics.

Within Latin America, there are seven main buyers: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Mexico, and Paraguay. Several Central American countries, such as Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, also import smaller volumes.

Brazil

Is the main Latin American market for apples. Not only does it purchase large volumes, but these volumes increase year after year. In 2024, it imported 150,000 tons of pears and the same amount of apples, compared to 90,000 tons of pears and only 30,000 tons of apples in 2020.

Clearly, the maingrowth has been in the case of apples. Brazil invested many years ago in the cultivation of this fruit in its southern states, reaching a production of around 1 million tons. However, in recent years, climate change has seriously affected production. Extreme temperatures, alternating droughts and floods, hail, and storms act as an impediment for the potential production .

For this reason, Brazil has shifted from being an exporter to an importer. Chile has benefited from this evolution, shipping between 50,000 and 110,000 tons over the last two to three years. Argentina has also increased its shipments, although to a lesser extent than Chile: from 20,000 tons to 35,000 tons. Another notable fact is that Brazil has expanded its varietal spectrum, importing not only Red Delicious but also Gala (better known to consumers, as it is the locally grown variety). More recently, they have incorporated Cripps Pink, making Brazil the second most important market for this variety, behind Europe. They also receive some other green, red, and Fuji varieties.

In the case of pears, the most popular are Argentine Williams and D'Anjou varieties. For Argentina, Brazil is its main destination, receiving 40-45% of its total pome fruit exports. For Chile, Brazil is another major destination; however, in 2024, with very significant shipments (112,000 tons of apples), it became the top destination, surpassing the total volume shipped to Europe.

Colombia

With 53 million inhabitants, it is the second most populous country in South America, after Brazil. This, combined with a significant emerging middle class, has made it a major destination for Chilean apples and pears.

Annually, Colombia imports 70,000-90,000 tons of apples and 15,000-20,000 tons of pears. The quantities imported are fairly stable. With this volume, Chile was Chile's main Latin American market for years, surpassed only by Brazil in 2023 and 2024. For apples, Chile buys Gala mainly apples, followed by green apples. For pears, the company prefers Packhams, followed by Bartlett.

Ecuador

Imports 40,000-50,000 tons of apples and 10,000 tons of pears from Chile annually, making it Chile's third largest Latin American destination. It receives 2,500-3,000 tons of pears from Argentina. Like Colombia, it primarily imports Gala and green varieties. The case of pears is notable, with a relatively large volume of Forelle, followed by D'Anjou, Packhams, and Bartlett.

Peru

Is gaining importance in response to growing demand from its higher-income class. In recent years, it has imported 35,000-40,000 tons of Chilean apples, mainly Gala, but also traditional red and green varieties. In the case of pears, it imported 12,000-14,000 tons from Argentina and 4,000-6,000 tons from Chile. Regarding varieties, it prefers Packhams, Forelle, and some Bartlett and D'Anjou varieties.

Bolivia

The volumes it imports are more limited and vary from year to year. It mainly imports red, green, and Gala apples; 13,000-16,000 tons from Chile and 5,000-6,000 tons from Argentina. It receives approximately 1,500-3,000 tons of pears from Argentina.

Mexico

Is mainly a market for Argentine pears (10,000-18,000 tons) and limited volumes of apples.

Paraguay

It is the second largest Latin American market for Argentine apples, importing between 15,000 and 20,000 tons per year. Pear volumes are more limited, between 5,000 and 7,000 tons. Quantity fluctuates year-round, and trade is somewhat complex due to informality and the low prices.