Shipments reach 10,383 tons, showing an increase of 30.29% compared to the previous year.
“To date, Japan is our fourth largest destination market within Asia. It is a market with great potential for further diversifying our destinations and expanding within the Asian region. Currently, fresh fruit shipments are marking an increase of over 30% compared to the same period last season, particularly led by table grapes, which represent 57% of the total fresh fruit exported to this market,” said Miguel Canala-Echeverría, General Manager of Frutas de Chile.
He added, “Japan is especially important for Chilean lemons, which account for 27% of total exports to this market, followed by cherries, blueberries, avocados, and kiwis, each at approximately 2% of total exports for the current season.”
In this context and aiming to improve access conditions and open the Japanese market to new national fresh fruits, Frutas de Chile met with the agricultural and commercial attaché of Chile in Japan, Nury Disegni Gili.
“As Frutas de Chile, we regularly meet with agricultural attachés, commercial attachés, and representatives from Chilean embassies around the world to visualize advancements on matters of interest to our sector, as well as to introduce new topics and coordinate joint efforts for the benefit of our fruits,” Canala-Echeverría stated.
It was within this framework that the General Manager of Frutas de Chile held a telematic meeting with the attaché in Japan. “It was a very positive meeting, as we were able to understand the progress being made regarding the entry of our blueberries, as well as the implementation of electronic phytosanitary certification between both countries. Technicians from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and SAG have conducted trials that have been very successful, which sets a promising stage for the prompt implementation of electronic phytosanitary certification concerning fresh fruits,” he emphasized.
The representative of Frutas de Chile also highlighted the importance of the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, which will take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025. “This is a great opportunity not only to enhance our presence as a country but also for our fruits. Furthermore, it is a framework in which we hope to advance, along with our authorities, on topics that are of interest to our sector,” he noted.
Why Japan?
Japan is an attractive market for exports due to its size, wealth, and purchasing power. However, it is a demanding market that imposes access conditions and has competitive prices. Consumers are willing to pay high prices, but only for quality products.
The Japanese population is approximately 124 million, making it the fourth largest economy in the world. In 2024, its gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.1%, primarily due to an increase in exports and household demand, maintaining positive growth for the fourth consecutive year.
Japan is a significant importer of fresh fruits, not only because its population prioritizes healthy eating but also because it does not have the capacity to supply these products year-round.
