Following this successful event, numerous key figures were shared by a wide range of speakers during their presentations on Wednesday, March 18.
Here we share some of them, along with the comments that provide context:
- “With production nearing 100,000 tons and a presence in more than 80 markets, Chile is positioned as the world’s leading producer and exporter of prunes, reflecting sustained efforts throughout the value chain.” (Pedro Pablo Díaz, president of Chileprunes)
- “The prune industry is an example of the potential of the Chilean agricultural sector. With more than 600 producers, a presence spanning over 13,000 hectares, and exports exceeding US$300 million, it has firmly established itself in international markets.” (Francesco Venezian, Undersecretary of Agriculture)
- “Global production over the past 15 years has averaged around 210,000 metric tons (MT), with an expected decrease of about 10,000 MT in 2026 (falling from 204,000 MT in 2024/25 to a projected 191,250 MT in 2025/26).” (José Antonio Soffia, Commercial Manager at Superfruit)
- “The global supply of prunes is highly concentrated: four countries account for nearly 95% of the global production, meaning that any change has a significant impact on the market; and if we look only at Chile and the U.S., that figure is 70%.” (José Antonio Soffia)
- “Over the last five years, the trend in Chile’s exports of fresh D’agen plums is as follows: 57,200 MT in 2022, 55,000 MT in 2023, then a rise to 72,500 MT in 2024, followed by 47,500 MT in 2025. The projection for this year is 49,400 metric tons.” (Cristián Benavente, commercial manager at Exportadora Rancagua)
- “While official figures put the area planted with D’Agen plum trees at 13,500 hectares, I believe we’re actually around 14,500 hectares (based on conversations with growers and nurseries and given that the data is released every two years). And we project 16,500 hectares by 2030.” (Juan Pablo Sotomayor, Production Manager at Frutexsa)
- “Today, the industry in Chile is producing around 115,000–117,000 tons, and with current plantings, we could project reaching 130,000 tons in the coming years. However, this growth must be managed carefully: every additional 1,000 hectares means about 10,000 more tons that the market must absorb.” (Juan Pablo Sotomayor)
- “If I look at the last 5 years and use the average price for size 70, I get an average price of US$2.20. So, a quick calculation tells me that the business is yielding US$10,000 per hectare.” (Juan Pablo Sotomayor)
- “Over the past 4 years, 20,000 hectares of vineyards have been uprooted in the Colchagua Valley, a valley that is very good for plums. So, what does the producer who clears the vineyard plant?” (Juan Pablo Sotomayor)
