Chilean garlic plays increasing importance in international markets, particularly in periods of shortage.

The current weather is bringing both challenges and potential in the field of Chilean garlic. “With 880 chilling hours reported against 400 the year before and the quality of the garlic has improved significantly, even though the yield has decreased by 10 percent,” states Nelson Cordero Arevalo, general director for Comercializadora y Exportadora NCA.

“Despite this the fact that class 1 garlic has produced 85% of production which is a significant increase from 50% in the previous year and has resulted in an increase of 40% in the price. Global markets are willing to pay the highest prices, provided that the product is of high-quality provided, and we’ve been able to establish ourselves as a leader as a leader in this sector,” says Cordero.

“It is worthwhile to mention that the cost for Chilean garlic has increased substantially this year. This is primarily because of the worldwide shortage of the food. Prices currently range from 30 to 35 dollars for a 10-kilo container, which amounts to about three to 3.5 dollars for a kilo. This is 40 percent more than to last year’s price which is a result of an increased demand, primarily in Mexico and the lower quantity of garlic available in the major producing nations, like China, Peru and Spain. This adjustment in price further emphasizes the need to maintain top quality standards, in order to boost the value of your product,” says Cordero.

According to the company’s producer and marketer, the sagacity of Chilean garlic is due to the choice and cultivation of premium seeds that have a lower virus load. This means that the time for cultivation is increased by 17 months. “This strategy guarantees a better high-quality finished product. The process, which involves the use of seeds from cold climates is resulting in garlic with more color and less rate of phytosanitary problems,” says Cordero.

The Mexican marketplace is the primary market for Chilean garlic, especially between December and March in which time the demand for fresh garlic is extremely high because of the shortage of production locally. “We extend their supply by providing them with a consistent supply, that allows us to meet the demand for high-quality products. Additional secondary markets, like Brazil depend on existing supply of Argentina and, therefore, Chile remains an important exporter to Mexico,” says Cordero.

“The application of modern techniques like a technified irrigation as well as an improved post-harvest process can improve both the shelf-life and quality of Chilean garlic. But, the sector of agriculture has its challenges like shortage of workers particularly in the rural regions that has resulted in the introduction of foreign labor and temporary hire of 100 workers during harvest.” according to the head of the operation.

“Looking into the future, Chilean garlic producers aim not just to keep their status on the international market as well as diversify their product, experimenting with different crops like special onions” adds Cordero.

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Nelson Cordero Arevalo

NCA – Comercializadora y Exportadora

Quinta de Tilco

Sixth Region, Chile

Tel. : +56 9 5228 0382

[email protected]