Frozen vegetables market in Chile

Earlier Report Observations

The Chilean frozen vegetables market volume grew strongly from 20 thousand tons in 2018 to nearly 47 thousand tons by 2022. This expansion was initially supported by a shift in consumer preferences, as noted by 2020 factors where warmer average temperatures, product durability, and lack of cooking time increased the appeal of frozen fruits and vegetables. Concurrently, the local industry faced a long-term loss of competitiveness due to rising energy, transport, and labor costs, which contributed to rising import volumes.

Market growth accelerated into the 2021/2022 period, fueled by pandemic-related changes and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which led consumers to spend more on prepared meals and frozen goods. Companies like Alta Fruta innovated with online sales and new high-quality frozen products to meet this demand. However, a parallel surge in export activity, particularly of frozen asparagus to markets like the United States and Spain, redirected supply. By 2023, this focus on international trade, with exports exceeding 27 thousand tons, significantly reduced domestic availability, contracting the market volume to 24.5 thousand tons.

Production frozen vegetables in Chile

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of frozen vegetables, 2018-2021

World map of production of frozen vegetables, 2018-2021

Chile's frozen vegetable production has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 16 136 tons of frozen vegetables, representing a 0.7% decrease compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of decline, Chile's frozen vegetable production value showed an increase. In 2021, the output was valued at 52 388 thousand US dollars, marking a gradual rise of 3.6% from the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, production value decreased by 2.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 50 588 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports frozen vegetables from Chile

Exports in kind, t

Chile's frozen vegetable export volumes have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports stood at 12 985 tons, remaining virtually unchanged from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 26%, equating to an average annual decline of 9.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Italy, and France formed the key group of partners for Chile's frozen vegetable exports in volume terms. The United States accounted for 34.1% of exports, Italy for 15.9%, and France for 10.1%, with these three countries together representing 60.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decrease, Chile's frozen vegetable export value increased. In 2021, exports reached 42 156 thousand US dollars, indicating a moderate year-over-year gain of 4.2%. Over the 2018-2021 period, however, export value decreased by 22.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 40 475 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 17.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, three principal markets—the United States, Italy, and France—together accounted for 61.8% of Chile's total frozen vegetable exports in value terms.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021

Imports frozen vegetables to Chile

Imports in kind, t

Chile's frozen vegetable imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported approximately 43 650 tons, up by 47.3% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 115.3%, equating to an average annual increase of 29.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, China, and Spain were the primary suppliers of frozen vegetables to Chile in volume terms. Belgium accounted for 40.9% of imports, China for 16.7%, and Spain for 14.4%, with these three countries jointly accounting for 72.0% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Chile's frozen vegetable import value has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 56 661 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 65.6% advance from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, import value rose by 134.3%, equating to an average annual increase of 32.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Belgium, China, and Spain remained the key sources for Chile's frozen vegetable imports in value terms. Belgium accounted for 39.2% of imports, China for 15.9%, and Spain for 14.8%, with these three countries together taking 70.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021