Chilean table grape trade eyes strategic shift to secure competitiveness
The Chilean table grape sector has reached a turning point: a smaller-than-expected harvest, unpredictable conditions, and mounting costs are pushing the industry to rethink the business. Andro Vidal, Commercial Manager at Subsole’s Table Grape Program, outlined that shift at the Global Grape Convention 2026 .
“Chile exported approximately 7.5 million boxes to the region during the latest season, with Mexico as the main destination, followed by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina,”
Speaking at the event, Vidal said Chile’s latest table grape campaign produced 58.3 million boxes, about 14 percent below the industry’s initial forecast. Unseasonable rains in March , particularly in the south and central producing regions, contributed to an early end to the crop , while production in addition declined in northern areas.
The executive stated the sector now needs to reassess production systems, varietal portfolios, logistic costs, and export-market strategies . The Chilean table grape trade at present has close to 56,800 productive acres.
Chilean table grape export outlook The United States remains the primary destination for Chilean table grapes . Going to During the latest season, total deliveries to, trade reached 32 million boxes, a 16 percent reduction from the 38 million boxes exported during the 2024/25 cycle.
This was also well below the 42 million shipped in 2023/24. Vidal noted that, during the initial weeks of the season, US buyers pointed to a more cautious approach, particularly regarding red and black seedless varieties. The trade's second harvest estimate, issued in September 2025, had put total shipments at 65 million boxes, while a fourth projection during week five of 2026 reduced expectations to 62.5 million boxes.
Final deliveries ultimately settled at around 58 million boxes, an overall ten percent reduction. As for other key destination trades, Europe received approximately 12.9 million boxes of Chilean table grapes this season.
This was slightly above the 12.5 million boxes exported the previous year and a clear departure from the 8.6 million boxes recorded in 2023/24. "It represents an opportunity, particularly for growers and exporters capable of meeting the stringent requirements of major European retailers," Vidal noted.
"Chile exported approximately 7.5 million boxes to the region during the latest season, with Mexico as the main destination, followed by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina," Vidal stated. Over a five- to six-year period, Chilean shipments to Latin America have roughly doubled, growing from 9.4 million to nearly 20 million boxes across regional destinations.
"The Chilean industry has undergone a deep transformation, marked by growth in new green seedless varieties and a decline in traditional red varieties," he noted. He explained that this transition directly responds to consumer and retail preferences , with buyers consolidating programs around a narrower selection of high-performing varieties that offer superior savor, appearance, condition, and post-harvest shelf life.
"In the US, per capita consumption increased from approximately 8 to 11 pounds over six seasons, while category retail sales grew nearly five percent over the past year," he shared. Per to the Subsole executive, the Chilean table grape industry has the tools to remain globally competitive , provided stakeholders adapt to changing trade dynamics.
He emphasized that varietal renewal, trade diversification, and cost optimization will serve as the core pillars of this next chapter.
- Who: Chilean · Latin America · Global Grape Convention
- Percentages: 14 percent · 16 percent
- Figures: 58.3 million · 14 percent · 32 million · 16 percent
