At the 13th Prunes Expo 2026, Cristián Benavente, commercial manager of Exportadora Rancagua, provided a strategic overview of the present and future of the plum business, with a focus on the Chinese market, the primary export destination for this product.
In fact, 96.2% of this Chilean fruit goes to China. This amounts to 47,540 metric tons (MT), equivalent to approximately US$100 million in 2025, with lower volumes but significantly better prices than in 2024. For the 2026 season, shipments of 49,387 MT are expected.
Taiwan accounts for a much smaller share; it has fewer restrictions than China regarding fresh produce, which has boosted sales there. Growth is also evident in the U.S., largely driven by the Asian population in that country, while the remaining markets account for very low volumes.
Seventy-two percent of exports come from VI Region.
Benavente noted that the opening and consolidation of this market has presented a significant opportunity for the sector, but has also substantially raised the bar in terms of quality, fruit condition, and consistency in shipments. In this context, he emphasized that the challenge is no longer just reaching China, but maintaining a differentiated and reliable value proposition over time.
In line with the above, he emphasized that the competitiveness of the business is each day more linked to the ability to meet strict standards. The condition of the fruit upon arrival, its firmness, size, and the consumer’s final experience are key factors in maintaining and expanding demand. Added to this is the Chinese market’s growing sensitivity to issues of safety and traceability, which requires rigorous control throughout the entire production chain.
On another point, Benavente noted that the plum business faces a challenging scenario, where margins are under pressure from logistical, production, and commercial factors. And also from Chinese production itself: in the northern provinces, near Mongolia, it is estimated that there are 60,000 hectares planted (unofficial figures). “For plums, that is 464,000 tons—100 times what Chile exports to them—which in a way speaks to the market’s potential. A good question is how much of this is dried; based on informal conversations, it would be around 20%, though these figures would need to be verified,” Benavente notes.
He also emphasized the importance of having a deep understanding of Chinese consumers. Why do they like Chilean D’Agen plums so much? Because unprocessed foods are strongly associated with good health (digestion, among other benefits); second, that country is known for seeking high sugar content, and our plums are sweeter than usual (for example, compared to the Uzbek product); and third, there is an air freight market that clearly understands Chinese demand and steps in when local supply is limited (5% of shipments are by air, equivalent to 2,300 metric tons).
As for sales formats, Chile exports almost its entire volume for repackaging at the destination, and the units that reach the end consumer are almost all 200, 300, or 500 grams. In that repackaging process, we have losses of around 30%, the executive notes.
It is not just about exporting fruit, but about understanding preferences, consumption habits, and key moments of demand. The ability to anticipate these variables and adapt the supply is, as he pointed out, an increasingly important competitive advantage.
Finally, he noted that while there are clear opportunities for growth, the future of the plum business will depend on the sector’s ability to further professionalize its operations, raise standards, and adapt to a highly competitive environment. Chile has favorable conditions and export experience, but leadership is not guaranteed.
The Prune Expo has established itself as a vital platform for the entire production chain, enabling the sharing of knowledge, the identification of trends, the creation of collaborative networks, and the planning of the sector’s future. The event brought together producers, processors, exporters, importers, authorities, and national and international experts. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and international expansion, the sector plans to continue strengthening its global presence and contributing to the country’s economic and agricultural development.
