NEW ORLEANS, LA - Watch out for more Chilean fruit in the fresh marketplace following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) and the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) at this year’s Fresh Summit.

“It is imperative that we continue strengthening and adding value to the Chilean fresh fruit industry. Not only does it provide the North American market with important counter-seasonal fresh fruit supply, the fresh fruit sector also contributes significantly to the economy of Chile. Working with an industry leader like PMA gives our members additional access to the information and resources they need to stay competitive. At the same time, our experience will add to the work being undertaken by PMA in Chile,” said Ronald Bown, Chairman of the Board for the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association, in a recent press release.

The Chilean Fresh Fruit Association booth held a ceremony on October 20th, where both organizations had representatives sign an agreement. This signals a burgeoning partnership between the two organizations is in the works. The relationship is one where information and expertise shared will establish events and industry publications with valuable knowledge for members, connections for members with their respective associations, and opportunities for ASOEX to be leading volunteers at PMA.

With 59% of fruit exports hailing from ASOEX’s domain, Chile makes for a strong partner with PMA, as it is one of the largest exporters in the Southern Hemisphere. Further, 845,000 tons, or 34 percent of all Chilean fresh fruit exports, give North America the dominant market share of all total global fruit exports leaving Chile’s borders.

"The importance of Chile to the global fresh fruit industry is undeniable. This MOU demonstrates PMA’s commitment to both enhancing the benefits we can provide to the fresh produce industry in Chile and sharing our expertise for mutual growth," said Nancy Tucker, PMA Vice President of Global Business Development. "We look forward to working with ASOEX to connect members with ideas and insights to grow our industry and increase demand for fresh fruits."

Bown will join the country's PMA council come November, where he will stand amongst other PMA member companies who are to be established as Chile’s councilmembers. It is in this role that Bown and his fellow Chilean councilmembers will create value for members and tackle industry problems. When paired with the newly hired Chilean Association representative, Andrés Rodríguez, who has hosted new events in the country, the council says it is set to strengthen its presence in the country.

For more news on the budding partnership between PMA and ASOEX, stay tuned into AndNowUKnow.

Chilean Fruit Exporters Association