The iniagrape-one, the first table grape variety developed entirely in Chile by Consorcio Biofrutales, has received good reviews in the UK, South Korea and China, reported Fedefruta.
In 2015, Biofrutales shipped its first sample to the UK, consisting of 500 cases of this black grape variety, known for its firmness and flavour, and this year it has received some new orders.
"We shipped 500 gram containers and 8.2 kilo boxes, and in both cases they arrived in good condition," said the director of Biofrutales, Sebastián Brown Noguera, while stressing that "the importers liked the taste and were fascinated by its intense black colour, almost blue, so this year they are asking us for a greater volume."
The Biofrutales official reported that they also exported some iniagrape-one pallets to China, where "both the reception and the arrival were good," and where they expect to ship one container.
According to Fedefruta, the harvest of Chilean black grapes will start this week in the Andes and the company plans to export about 3,000 cases during the season.
"It is a variety with a harvest period taking place between those of the Midnight Beauty and the Autumn Royal, so it should hit the market with good chances to reach attractive prices," said Brown.
Meanwhile, the manager and producer of Compañía Frutera Santa María, Christian Corssen, explained that "the fruit arrived in good condition and, according to the British buyer, it proved to be much better than other black seedless varieties, not only when compared to traditional ones, but also with those resulting from other recent genetic programs."
He also stressed that the Chilean variety "is a fruit with excellent post-harvest properties," which makes it possible for it to be stored and remain available until production kicks off in the northern hemisphere.
Meanwhile, the exporter GLS International has also confirmed a good reception of its shipments to South Korea. According to Macarena del Solar, company representative, shipments arrived in good condition and with an excellent flavour.
In order to promote the product in new markets and improve its competitiveness, ANA Biofrutales and Chile are looking for a brand name that reflects the dark colour, sweet taste and characteristics of the variety in order to make it more attractive for consumers.
In that sense, the general manager of Biofrutales, Rodrigo Cruzat, said that they expect to be able to announce the definitive name of the brand in July.
