2023

Production

Chile’s tradition of growing and processing fruit dates back to the colonial period, when these plants were brought over by the Spanish. Starting in the 16^th century, European fruit trees were successfully adapted to Chilean soils and climates, making it possible to introduce the production process.[1] Moving into the 21st century, Chile’s “fruit boom” of the 1970s was led by grapevines, apples and stone fruit trees.[2] Nowadays, Chile is a major producer and the top exporter of dried and fresh plums worldwide.

The main species grown in Chile are the Japanese plum (Prunus salicina), which is typically sold fresh, and the European plum (Prunus domestica L.), which is mainly used in the production of prunes (dehydrated plums). European plums are characterized by an elongated shape, a dark skin color and a pit that is easily separable from the pulp, making them the most appropriate type of plum for industrial processing. Within this group, D’Agen is the variety most commonly used for drying due to its high sugar content.

Photo courtesy of Chileprunes

The fresh fruit is harvested in February and March and the processing season runs from April to December, due to the low perishability of the product. The ratio between fresh and dehydrated product ranges from 3 to 4 kilograms of fresh fruit per kilogram of dehydrated plum, depending on whether the pit is included or not.

In Chile, plums have traditionally been dehydrated by leaving the fruit under the sun in drying fields. This practice yields good results due to the climatic conditions of the production regions. However, a significant amount of product is dried in dehydration tunnels —a faster and more controlled drying method that results in a more homogenous quality. Once the product is dehydrated, it is calibrated, selected and washed to start the “tenderization” process, a heat treatment that restores a certain level of humidity, making the product softer for consumption.[3]^,[4]^,[5]

According to the Odepa-Ciren fruit cadastre, the area planted with European plums in Chile is 2.6 times larger today than at the beginning of the 21st century. The planted hectarage increased by 70% in 2009 compared with 2008 and seems to have stabilized ever since (Figure 1). The total planted area is currently 12,530 hectares, of which 69% is located in the O’Higgins region, followed by the Metropolitan region with a 22% share and Maule with 8%. Of the total planted area, 96% consists of bearing trees and 99% of the trees are of the D’Agen variety (Table 1 and Figure 2). Of a total of 593 orchards, 87% have a size ranging from 1 to 50 hectares and all of them are irrigated, with drip irrigation being the predominant system.

As reported by Chileprunes, the Chilean association of processors and exporters of prunes, the total production of plums averages around 100,000 metric tons (MT) annually. Of this amount, about two thirds are used in the production of dehydrated plums, while around 20,000 MT go to the fresh Chinese market, following in the footsteps of the flourishing Chilean cherry industry in that market. The remaining 15,000 MT are used in concentrated juices and pulps, oils and other products. The juice and pulp demand is mainly concentrated in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Chile is one of the world’s top prune producers. Chilean production over the last decade ranged from 57,000 to 70,000 MT. Output during the 2020/21 season was unusually low due to an extreme drought that affected the producing regions. Production in 2022/23 is estimated at 65,000 MT (Figure 3). “The O’Higgins region, which is where the largest European plum plantations are located, did not suffer weather problems, so it has had an impeccable harvest,” commented Pedro Pablo Díaz, President of Chileprunes. “Its fruits look good, with good sizes, volume and Brix content.”

As per the latest Odepa-Ciren reports, with a capacity of 109,456 MT/year, the processing industry employs 1,177 people in 51 companies. O’Higgins accounts for 51% of the processing capacity, followed by the Metropolitan region with 47% and Maule with the remaining 2%.

Trade

Accounting for a 33% share of trade globally,[6] Chile is the world’s top prune exporting country. Annual international shipments amount, on average, to 63,700 MT and US$180 million (5-year average, 2018-2022).[7] As highlighted by Chileprunes, the quality of Chilean prunes —with organoleptic characteristics providing a distinctive acidity and sweetness equilibrium, a very good size and flavor, and a highly versatile supply— makes Chile the main global exporter, delivering product to more than 80 countries.

Over the last decade, exports have remained fairly stable, ranging from 62,000 MT to 76,000 MT; with the exception of shipments in 2021, which were unusually low as a result of the extreme drought that significantly impacted the 2020/21 season inventory. In turn, the value of total exports ranged from a minimum of US$145 million to a high of $US256 million in 2022 (Figure 4).

Considering the last five years of international shipments, the top markets were the European Union (plus the United Kingdom and the countries of the European Free Trade Association), which accounted for an average share of 49%, followed by Mexico (12%), China (9%), Russia (7%) and the United States (5%) (Figure 5).

The Chinese market for Chilean prunes saw spectacular growth in 2022. Last year, with a total of 11,800 MT imported, China ranked first as an importer for the first time, with volumes nine times higher than ten years ago and six times higher than in 2021. Similarly, the US and Australian markets reached 5,100 MT and 1,600 MT, up by 120% and 46% over 2021, respectively.

“Chile is experiencing turbulent times,” commented Pedro Pablo Díaz, President of Chileprunes. “In 2022, annual inflation reached 12.8%, the highest rate since 1991, and all signs suggest that it will tend to normalize in 2023. The exchange rate has fluctuated, causing uncertainty for the exporters. As for activities more typical of the industry, agrochemical prices have skyrocketed, and labor, though available, is scarce.”

“Another challenge for Chileprunes is to further strengthen the Food Export Council, an institution of which we are members,” added Díaz. “We believe in the fundamental role of this association in promoting Chile’s food exports —the country’s second most important sector after mining.” Founded in 2005, the members of Chileprunes today account for 70% of the country's prune exports.

The plum, in all its many versions, dried or fresh, in juice, pulp or oil, is the embodiment of gastronomic versatility. This timeless treat can be served from sweet to salty; as a snack; as an appetizer; as an ingredient in a roast or a sauce; in salads; with pork or fish; with chocolate; and in teas and infusions. These are just some of the many options offered by one of the most versatile foods on the planet.

In its dried form, this fruit is found in a wide range of consumer products. Here is a small sampling to illustrate the many uses of prunes.

Organic Prunes Without Additives (Chile)

Prunesco

Organic prunes in 100% recyclable retail packs. Prunesco sells them under their own brand as well as private labels.

Preservative-Free Frozen Prunes (Chile)

Pacific Nut

These tasty pitted prunes are soft, sweet and ready to eat —perfect for smoothies! Because they are frozen, no preservatives are necessary.

Prune Drink (Germany)

Rabenhorst

This full-bodied, fruity drink is made from top-quality sun-ripened plums that are gently dried using traditional methods without the use of sulfur. One 750 ml bottle contains the ingredients of around 1233 g of fresh plums in concentrated form.

Squash, Carrots, Apples + Prunes Puree (UK)

Ella’s Kitchen

Designed for babies aged 4 months and up, this on-the-go pouch contains pureed butternut squash, carrots, apples and prunes, plus a dash of lemon juice —with nothing else added, not even water.

Prune Nectar (Canada)

Black River

Made from high-quality concentrated prune juice sourced from South America, this thick, sweet nectar is a natural digestive aid. Some sediment is normal, it’s just the natural fiber in the fruit!

Fruit Market Series Soft Prunes (Japan)

Delta International Co., Ltd

Soft, plump and delicious, these pitted prunes contain no sugar and no preservatives.

Pedro Acuña, Agronomist and MBA, Executive Director of Chileprunes

In 2022, the Association of Processors and Exporters of Prunes of Chile (Chileprunes) kicked off the development of a new sustainability standard for the prunes industry. Responding to new trends in international markets, this project involves the development and implementation of a standard that will be widely acknowledged by industry stakeholders. The goal is for a team of specialists and technicians to produce the aforementioned standard within a time frame of 28 months. In parallel, an audit and a training process will be held for companies throughout Chile.

Institutional Cooperation and Systematization

Among the most crucial factors in the success of this project is the creation of public-private collaboration networks. Another key factor is the participation of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), which has fostered a dynamic of systematized coordination. In particular, the Institute has enhanced cooperation between stakeholders by organizing assembly-style interactions with innovative and participatory work methodologies.

Several actions and arrangements are currently being made to get the project underway. None of them would be possible without the encouragement and support of the Foundation for Agrarian Innovation (FIA) under the Ministry of Agriculture of Chile. It also should be noted that both the Agency of Sustainability and Climate Change (ASCC), which depends on the Ministry of Economy, and the Office of Agrarian Studies and Policies (ODEPA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, have provided key support on the execution of this initiative. As official bodies, they have contributed with their experience and knowledge in the development of standards for other industries.

Stages of a Highly Participatory Design

The development of the standard by means of an interactive meeting method is expected to take 28 months. In addition to the main purpose of this process, we are also committed to cultivating a participatory dynamic each step of the way. Hence, the first stage of the project is a sectoral diagnosis, in which the industry’s companies will be identified and characterized, the various actors will be mapped and the main stakeholders will be identified.

After the diagnosis, we will conduct a comparative analysis of similar standards at the national and international levels to serve as a benchmark for the development of a list of good practices consistent with the local reality, which will subsequently be incorporated into the standard.

In order to identify the main technical gaps of the companies in the industry, an audit process will be conducted over a period of four months. These gaps will be addressed during the third stage of the project: a training process wherein technical material will be made available to all companies nationwide that wish to subscribe to the standard.

The project has now been underway for six months. In this time, we have begun the diagnosis of the sector and identified a total of 635 actors. In addition, we have defined the topics and dimensions that the standard will address, which cover the environmental, social, ethical, qualitative and management fields.

Each aspect included in the standard was validated and prioritized by the main stakeholders as a part of the process of benchmarking against national and international standards. Based on the analysis carried out thus far, we can safely affirm that this venture is the first of its kind for the prunes industry globally.

The core of these innovations is the goal of reaching all companies in the industry nationwide, since the material generated by the project will be made available as a public good to all actors involved in Chile’s agricultural field.

On completion of the validation and training process for companies, the standard will obtain the Chile Conscious Origin distinction. This certificate is expected to be validated internationally and be included in the Standards Map platform.

This project, which is dependent on the International Trade Center (ITC) and the United Nations, not only identifies, compares and supervises different sustainability standards at the international level, but also enables different actors to make informed decisions. Promoting and boosting the visibility of the standard worldwide will helps us gain a better understanding of the landscape with regard to sustainability initiatives and connect with like-minded business partners.

Bone Health

Numerous studies have found links between consuming prunes and the prevention and reverse of bone loss, especially in postmenopausal women.^{[1],[2],[3],[4],[5]} Recent research suggests that prune intake may have beneficial effects on bones in adult men, as well.

In a study published in Nutrients[6] in 2022, 35 men aged 55 to 80 years were split into three groups, consuming 100 g, 50 g and 0 g of prunes daily, respectively. The researchers found that those who consumed 100 g of prunes daily saw a significant decrease in serum osteocalcin. Those eating 50 g of prunes daily saw significant decreases in serum osteoprotegerin and serum osteocalcin, while they experienced an increase in the OPG:RANKL ratio, which is a determinant of bone mass and skeletal integrity. The researchers concluded that consuming either 100 g or 50 g of prunes regularly for three months may be beneficial to bone biomarkers in men.

Digestive Health

Strawberry, Cashew and Prune Smoothie

Ingredients

• 40 g prunes (pitted)
• 100 ml almond drink
• 250 g strawberries (washed, stems removed)
• 30 g raw cashews
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Preparation

1. Add the ingredients to a blender jar
2. Process until smooth
3. Serve immediately