He holds a degree in agricultural engineering from the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso and is an internationally recognized consultan...
He holds a degree in agricultural engineering from the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso and is an internationally recognized consultant specializing in table grapes, with extensive experience and in-depth knowledge acquired in various regions around the world. He is currently the director of Uvanova and his consulting firm, AAZ Consulting. He also teaches classes on nutrition and irrigation in the field of viticulture at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso.
His experience positions him as a leader in the sector, where he frequently participates as an analyst and speaker on key issues related to table grape production, such as nutrition, irrigation, the use of growth regulators, and general agronomic practices. In addition, he has actively contributed his analysis and knowledge to technical publications and specialized seminars in the sector.
Sustainability and Technical Management Manager at Exportadora Subsole.
At Exportadora Subsole, sustainability is at the core of its operati...
Sustainability and Technical Management Manager at Exportadora Subsole.
At Exportadora Subsole, sustainability is at the core of its operation and is a strategic axis for its business model.
The company is dedicated to supplying superior quality fruit on a global scale, simultaneously guiding producers and processing plants to make informed decisions regarding their socio-environmental impact. To this end, they have a specialized area that supports the work of their growers and their own operations to achieve high standards of compliance, evaluate and manage their carbon footprint, and have promoted biodiversity protection initiatives.
Additionally, Andrea is part of the Sustainability Committee of Frutas de Chile and participated in the elaboration of the “Guide to implement circular economy in fresh fruit packing plants in Chile” and in the recent “Sustainability Report of Frutas de Chile”.
Andrea has a degree in Agricultural Engineering and a Master’s degree in Environmental Management and Planning.
Agricultural Engineer from the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso (PUCV) and renowned independent consultant specializing in table grape...
Agricultural Engineer from the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso (PUCV) and renowned independent consultant specializing in table grapes, with extensive experience in the Chilean fruit industry.
Her leadership is reflected in her current role as Vice President of Uvanova, an association focused on improving table grape production, and as Vice President of the National Agricultural Society (SNA). Assistant professor at PUCV in the viticulture course.
Ms. Cruz has been a key figure in the innovation of Chilean table grapes, participating in the evaluation of new varieties and the use of rootstocks globally. She currently serves as Agricultural Manager at Westfalia Fruit Chile.
Committed to the development of women in agriculture, she co-founded Amagro and belongs to the gender equality commission of the College of Agricultural Engineers. She is an active member of the Nosotras circle, where she regularly writes articles to raise awareness and promote the role of women in agriculture.
Her influence extends to publications in Uvanova Magazine, where she addresses key industry issues, and her active participation in organizations such as the Ministry of Agriculture’s Fruit Board and the OIV group.
He holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Universidad de Chile and has complemented his academic training with a Diploma in Corporate ...
He holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Universidad de Chile and has complemented his academic training with a Diploma in Corporate Finance from the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez and a Diploma in Business Management from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
With an extensive background in fruit exports and production, Christian Corssen is recognized as a key figure in the Chilean fruit industry, with a notable specialization in the table grape sector. His deep knowledge of market dynamics and the challenges inherent to the sector have allowed him to actively participate in the industry debate, sharing a strategic and prospective vision.
In his public interventions, he has consistently emphasized the need to diversify export markets for Chilean table grapes. He has also advocated the development of new varieties that meet the high quality, flavor and size standards demanded by the global market, and emphasized the importance of providing each customer with the product they really need. His analysis has included a detailed understanding of the dynamics of the U.S. market, highlighting its ability to absorb specific weekly volumes without affecting prices, and the critical importance of optimizing production estimates to prevent oversupply scenarios.
His vast experience and leadership establish him as an influential voice and prominent figure in the fruit industry.
Agricultural Engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV), he is a recognized consultant and specialist in table grapes...
Agricultural Engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV), he is a recognized consultant and specialist in table grapes with a vast trajectory. He is a leading member and director of Uvanova, an association focused on the productive improvement of table grapevines.
Mr. Ljubetic has extensive research and direct consulting experience in commercial table grape production, having been involved in the development of genetic programs and the evaluation of new varieties and rootstocks globally.
As an expert in grapevine agronomic management, he emphasizes the importance of irrigation, fertilization, soil and roots to optimize productivity, quality and sustainability. He has actively contributed to the discussion on the challenges and advantages of Chilean table grapes.
His expertise also extends to the cherry industry, and he has published technical articles in specialized media such as Uvanova Magazine.
Agricultural engineer from the University of Chile, specializing in fruit growing. He has an outstanding and extensive professional career in the f...
Agricultural engineer from the University of Chile, specializing in fruit growing. He has an outstanding and extensive professional career in the fruit sector.
He is the owner and CEO of Convento Viejo S.A., a company that currently has 380 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of table grapes and cherries. He is also a partner in Torretagle S.A., an entity that manages 400 hectares with a wide variety of fruit species, including citrus fruits, nuts, vines, avocados, and walnuts. His involvement in the trade association extends to being a partner and member of the Board of Directors of Gesex and its subsidiaries. He is also an advisor to Uvanova.
His foray into agricultural production dates back to 1987, when he founded a fruit tree nursery. Later, in 1990, he established 20 hectares for table grape production. Prior to implementing these initiatives, he had an 18-year professional career at Exportadora Unifrutti Traders Ltda., where he worked until 2005.
Agricultural Engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, who since 2024 has served as General Manager for South America at F...
Agricultural Engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, who since 2024 has served as General Manager for South America at Fresh Del Monte, responsible for managing the business units in Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.
He has more than 25 years of experience in the fruit industry, leading operations in the areas of farm production, packing and cold storage plants, logistics, food safety, quality assurance, technical and commercial management for producers and exporters, as well as administrative, legal, and business support areas.
Previously, since January 2022, he served as Director of Supply for South America, managing the supply of third-party fruit in Chile and the region. Between 2018 and 2022, at Fresh Del Monte’s headquarters in Santiago, he served as Producer Manager, responsible for contracting and managing fruit from third-party producers in the country. His career with the company began in 2006 as Area Manager for the San Felipe area, a position he held until 2018.
His first roles at Fresh Del Monte were as a quality control inspector for third-party producer packers and as an assistant agronomist in the San Felipe and Cerrillos areas of the Metropolitan Region. He continued his career in the Northern Zone, Copiapó Valley, where in 2000 he took on the role of Agronomist and Head of Operations, and then in 2002 he became General Administrator of Agrícola UAC Properties and in 2004 he became Assistant Regional Manager, a position he held until 2006 when he became Regional Manager in San Felipe.
He graduated as an agricultural engineer from the University of Concepción in 2005 and joined SAG the following year as an export inspector at the...
He graduated as an agricultural engineer from the University of Concepción in 2005 and joined SAG the following year as an export inspector at the Rancagua office. At this office, he worked on the Origin Program and the USDA, carrying out field activities such as sampling and phytosanitary inspections.
In 2008, he transferred to the SAG Central Office’s Phytosanitary Certification Subdepartment, where he still works today. He currently heads the Agricultural and Forestry Products Section, responsible for supporting negotiations with other countries regarding the entry of their products, ensuring compliance with destination market requirements, and generating phytosanitary certification process guidelines. He is also the national manager of the SAG/USDA program.
Felipe Infante holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering and an MBA from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. With over 23 years of expe...
Felipe Infante holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering and an MBA from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. With over 23 years of experience in the fruit industry, he has built a solid track record at leading companies such as David del Curto, Dole Chile, and currently at Quelen Fruit, where he leads the project as General Manager.
Throughout his career, he has evaluated, developed, and managed projects in all stages of the agricultural business, including plantations, processing plants, and commercial platforms both in Chile and abroad. In addition, he has been actively involved in the development of plantation projects and the structuring of export models in Peru, which has given him a regional and in-depth perspective of the fruit business.
His comprehensive vision of the sector combines operational efficiency, commercial focus, technical innovation, and a strong commitment to quality. Under his leadership, Quelen Fruit has established itself as a company recognized for its excellence in the production and export of fresh and dried fruits, standing out for its cutting-edge technology and rigorous standards at every stage of the process.
Felipe Kanacri is recognized as one of the most prominent professionals in the North American fruit business today. With a career spanning more tha...
Felipe Kanacri is recognized as one of the most prominent professionals in the North American fruit business today. With a career spanning more than 25 years of experience, he has worked to position himself in the industry at one of the world’s leading companies. His career began in quality control and then logistics, always seeking continuous improvement in operational standards. His knowledge of processes and strategic vision, gained over the years, helped him progress to his current position as General Manager at AMFRESH North America.
Today, he works daily with the most important supermarket chains in the United States and Canada, for whom AMFRESH makes strategic investments in its own grape and citrus fields, in addition to its position as a world leader in genetics in these categories. His ability to anticipate trends, efficiently manage the supply chain, and build lasting relationships with strategic partners has established him as a unique and key professional in the industry.
Throughout his career, he has implemented innovative solutions that have optimized both operational processes and commercial relationships with producers and retailers, ensuring the efficiency and constant growth of the company. The focus on sustainability and product quality, as one of the foundations of the company, has been fundamental to its success, making it a trusted benchmark in the fruit business.
Agricultural Engineer from the University of Chile, dedicated to advising on table grapes in the country. Specialist in plant health and the qualit...
Agricultural Engineer from the University of Chile, dedicated to advising on table grapes in the country. Specialist in plant health and the quality of phytosanitary applications in cultivation.
Director of UvaNova
He is an agricultural engineer who graduated from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. His work at Santa Elena and as a technical c...
He is an agricultural engineer who graduated from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. His work at Santa Elena and as a technical collaborator at Agrícola San José is key to managing table grape production processes in accordance with the requirements of both producers and end customers. He stands out for his extensive knowledge and experience in innovation and product quality.
He has participated in relevant industry events, such as the International Table Grape Symposium in Chile, thanks to his innovative agricultural practices and his focus on the production of premium table grapes. His expertise has also been evident in debates on the importance of genetic replacement in grape varieties to meet the demands of the global market.
Agricultural Engineer and Master in Plant Sciences from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, specializing in Physiology and Fruit Product...
Agricultural Engineer and Master in Plant Sciences from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, specializing in Physiology and Fruit Production.
Currently, he leads Chucao Viticultura, a company focused on advisory and consulting. He is a grape and cherry grower in central Chile and directs the Chucao innovation center, where he researches and adapts emerging technologies for the sector.
His experience is focused on table grape production in different agroclimatic zones, both Mediterranean and tropical, covering everything from vineyard planning and establishment to management and optimization of production processes.
He has actively participated in discussions on the challenges and opportunities of the Chilean table grape industry, including the impact of climate change and the search for sustainability in production.
His work at Chucao Viticultura has consolidated him as a reference in technical consulting for different producing countries.
Agricultural Engineer, owner of Agrícola San José, a company renowned for its continuous innovation in table grape production, and Executive Dire...
Agricultural Engineer, owner of Agrícola San José, a company renowned for its continuous innovation in table grape production, and Executive Director of Exportadora Santa Elena.
In his role at Santa Elena, he has prioritized quality and adaptation to global customer demands. He has highlighted the need to offer the right fruit for each market, citing the Autumn Crisp variety as an exemplary case in varietal renewal. He has also examined the importance of plastic covers in Chile, contrasting their use with that of other table grape-producing regions.
Exportadora Santa Elena, founded in 1978 by English and Chilean investors with the aim of producing premium quality grapes, made its first exports to the United States and the United Kingdom in 1980. Since 1998, the company has been wholly owned by Chilean grape capital, maintaining a strong commitment to research into new varieties and technologies and consolidating its prestige in international markets.
Greg Holzman’s career in agriculture began in 1985 when he and a former business partner purchased an apple and pear orchard, which they soon...
Greg Holzman’s career in agriculture began in 1985 when he and a former business partner purchased an apple and pear orchard, which they soon converted to organic production.
The origin story of TerraFresh began in 1993, when Greg formed an enduring partnership with Steve Akagaki. Together, they established the produce marketing company Pacific Organic Produce and later launched Purity Organic Fruits and Juices. Together, they worked to establish and expand the organic produce marketplace.
The partners ran the business out of San Francisco, one of the major centres for U.S. organic consumers at the time. They felt that this location was essential as they could sense the growth of the sector by living and working among early-adopting organic consumers.
During these early years, Greg and Steve began collaborating with many of the highly committed organic growers with whom they continue to work at TerraFresh today. They also became sought-after advisors to growers seeking to convert their conventional farming operations to organic farms.
Greg and Steve sold the fruit and juice companies. They came back together after retirement didn’t suit them and were able to reassemble the family/ team that built the prior companies.
In 2019, Greg and Steve joined forces again to found TerraFresh Organics, headquartered in Mill Valley, California. They were soon joined in this enterprise by Jason Laffer, who now heads up the company’s sales operation.
In 2021, TerraFresh entered into an agreement to sell a majority stake in the company to Frutura through its subsidiary, Dayka & Hackett.
‘While TerraFresh Organics is the culmination of everything we’ve learned about organic farming, its beating heart is the relationships we’ve built over 30 years of working with growers. They may be farming in different countries and growing different crops, but what they all share is a mission-driven mindset: that growing organically is good for the planet and creates sustainable, thriving farms.
Bilingual commercial engineer with more than fifteen years of experience in marketing and sales within multinational companies. He has strengths in...
Bilingual commercial engineer with more than fifteen years of experience in marketing and sales within multinational companies. He has strengths in team leadership, strategic planning, and achieving results.
His experience includes executive and managerial positions in Marketing, Franchising, and Product Management. He has been recognized for successful campaigns, participated in the founding of a strategic consulting firm, and achieved double-digit growth and positioning of leading brands.
His main responsibilities include leading marketing teams, brand management, and directing the company’s strategic and budgetary planning.
Agricultural Engineer graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, who also holds a Master of Science degree. Her professional caree...
Agricultural Engineer graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, who also holds a Master of Science degree. Her professional career is distinguished by a strong focus on market information, sustainability, and innovation.
In her role as founding partner and Executive Director of iQonsulting, Chile’s leading fruit consulting firm specializing in market research and advisory services, she has had a significant influence on the analysis of Chilean exports and the competitiveness of agricultural products internationally. She recently promoted the launch of iQfruits, a market information service developed in collaboration with the Canadian technology company Delta Analysis, which aims to be a benchmark in the global fruit market.
As a founding partner of Drimys, a company dedicated to sustainability management in the forestry and agricultural sector, she has made important contributions to the development of sustainable practices. It is worth mentioning that Isabel Quiroz is part of the United Nations Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN). Drimys offers advice on certifications such as “Sustainably Grown” and conducts sustainability assessments of agricultural production at the farm level.
Between July 2024 and January 2025, she led the team responsible for developing Chile’s Environmentally Sustainable Taxonomy (T-MAS), an initiative promoted by the Ministry of Finance that covered the agriculture, livestock, forestry, fishing, and aquaculture sectors. She recently launched the first sustainability yearbook, which covered analysis and progress in this area across the four sectors.
She is a strong advocate of regenerative agriculture and emphasizes the importance of sustainability in the agricultural industry, actively promoting the integration of innovation, science, and technology in the sector.
A lawyer from Diego Portales University, he is the President of Frutas de Chile, establishing himself as a key leader in the Chilean fruit industry...
A lawyer from Diego Portales University, he is the President of Frutas de Chile, establishing himself as a key leader in the Chilean fruit industry.
His career in the sector began in 2000 at Dole Chile S.A., where he assumed legal leadership roles for Chile, Latin America, and South Africa, focusing on sustainability and fresh fruit exports.
Since 2014, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of ASOEX (now Frutas de Chile), assuming the presidency in 2022. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Fundación Imagen de Chile, underscoring his commitment to the international projection of the country and its important fruit industry.
He also serves as President of the Chile-India Business Council of Sofofa.
Agricultural Engineer, General Manager of Provalle Agro, Packing & Export
He represents the fourth generation of a century-old agribusi...
Agricultural Engineer, General Manager of Provalle Agro, Packing & Export
He represents the fourth generation of a century-old agribusiness family from Mallorca that has been based in the Norte Chico region since 1907.
After more than 100 years of history, the Prohens restructured their family businesses under the Provalle umbrella, giving rise to Provalle Agro, Packing, Export, Frigo, and Grape & Spirits (Wines and Spirits). Juan Enrique has played a key executive leadership role in this process.
In addition to being Director of Provalle, he is General Manager of Provalle Agro, Packing & Export, where, through its subsidiary Cerro Campanario Spa, his main role is in the production and export of fresh fruit, particularly table grapes and citrus fruits. At the same time, he has promoted and led a remarkable diversification of production, moving from 92% table grapes to an equal proportion of 50% citrus fruits in eight years. This strategy allows for continuous operation 36 weeks a year harvesting and almost 52 weeks supplying different markets, mainly in the northern hemisphere. Provalle has invested significantly in modern genetics for table grapes, incorporating 12 new varieties and renovating its fields, including a significant level of technology that allows for greater efficiency and better communion with the environment and communities adjacent to its operations.
In addition, it manages Provalle Frigo, which offers packing and refrigeration services through Agroindustrial and Figrorífico Santa Adriana.
In 2023, he was elected to the board of directors of Fedefruta, representing fruit growers in the Coquimbo Region, raising awareness of their issues and needs.
Mark Player is a respected expert in the global fresh produce industry, with nearly 30 years of experience connecting growers to consumers through ...
Mark Player is a respected expert in the global fresh produce industry, with nearly 30 years of experience connecting growers to consumers through innovation, farming, and retail excellence. As Chief Commercial Officer at AMFRESH Group, he leads the Group’s end-to-end value chain from varietal development and global farming to commercial strategy and retail services ensuring consistency, resilience, and value creation across markets.
Mark began his career at Saphir Produce and went on to lead Mehadrin’s UK operations. He was instrumental in forming MMUK, a pioneering customer-focused produce business that redefined citrus category management by uniting Israeli and Spanish supply and scaling globally with partners like M&S and Tesco.
After leadership roles at Brakes and Total Produce, Mark returned to AMFRESH to head its UK produce business. Today, as Chief Commercial Officer, he drives the Group’s commercial integration aligning innovation and supply with the evolving needs of retailers and consumers worldwide.
Based in the UK, Mark is married with two children and is passionate about the outdoors, often found cycling, golfing, or walking in the countryside.
Agricultural Engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
He is recognized as an expert in table grapes and is dedicated to ...
Agricultural Engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
He is recognized as an expert in table grapes and is dedicated to consulting through the company Paso Pehuenche. He is also part of the team of experts of Uvanova, a relevant organization in the fruit sector.
Throughout his career, Martín Silva has collaborated with various publications and industry events, sharing his analysis and comments on the table grape season, new varieties and climatic challenges affecting the industry. His experience covers viticulture, varietal management and innovations in grape production. He has consulted in Chile, Peru and South Africa.
Agricultural Engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, specializing in Agricultural Economics.
He currently serves as Gen...
Agricultural Engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, specializing in Agricultural Economics.
He currently serves as General Manager of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association, AG, reporting directly to the President and its Board of Directors, focusing his management on the implementation of the agreements of the Board of Directors in a wide range of matters associated with the Chilean fruit industry, with special emphasis on the opening of international markets.
He worked in Fundación Chile and other private companies linked to the food and financial sector.
Agricultural Engineer (P.U.C.V.) | MBA University of Cambridge
International technical advisor at Proteku and Infruta, both part of the AgroF...
Agricultural Engineer (P.U.C.V.) | MBA University of Cambridge
International technical advisor at Proteku and Infruta, both part of the AgroFresh group.
A renowned table grape specialist, he has more than 35 years of experience in the global fruit industry. His expertise has positioned him as a key figure in the development of the sector in multiple countries, including a prominent role in the growth of the industry in Egypt.
Since December 2023, he has led the global technical assistance of Infruta Chile and Proteku Spain. In this role, he has actively contributed in areas such as commercial development, innovation (R&D&I), and strategic marketing.
He was a member of the founding board of UVANOVA and for 10 years served as an associate professor of viticulture at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso. He currently resides in Alicante, Spain.
He has participated in high-level international events, such as the Global Grape Convention, where he presented relevant initiatives, such as the International Table Grape Commission (ITGC). In these spaces, he has addressed key challenges for the industry, including the complexity of supply chains and growing global competition, highlighting the increasingly influential role of markets such as China and India.
His career includes professional experience in California, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Korea, China, Australia, Namibia, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and India, among other producing and exporting countries. He has given courses and technical and commercial presentations on five continents.
Oscar has been a strong advocate for rigorous fruit quality and condition standards, promoting the development of specific ripeness indices for each variety and ecozone. He has also promoted the modernization of harvesting and packaging processes, as well as the optimization of post-harvest cooling.
In addition, he has highlighted the positive social impact of table grape cultivation in Chile, particularly for its contribution to the inclusion of women in the agricultural workforce.
He is the proud father of three wonderful daughters and a fantastic grandson. Since May 2025, he has been happily married to his colleague Marcia Kehr.
Mr. Pablo González, a Chilean national originally from Viña del Mar, is a civil engineer and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from...
Mr. Pablo González, a Chilean national originally from Viña del Mar, is a civil engineer and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Hong Kong.
With a professional career spanning three decades in the shipping industry, which began at Compañía Sud Americana de Vapores (CSAV), he has lived in various countries, including the United States, Mexico, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Belgium, due to his studies and work responsibilities.
He currently serves as Senior Commercial Manager at the shipping company Seatrade, based in the Netherlands, where he has held various positions in the areas of Finance, Projects, Commercial, and General Management over the past ten years. Since last year, he has been in charge of implementing services for the export of grapes from Peru and Chile to the East Coast of the United States.
Agronomist graduated from the University of Chile and holds a Master’s degree in Agro-Environmental Production from the Pontifical Catholic U...
Agronomist graduated from the University of Chile and holds a Master’s degree in Agro-Environmental Production from the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso.
She is a founding partner and commercial manager of BIOCEA (Centro de Entomología Aplicada Ltda.), a Chilean company established in 2009, dedicated to research and technology transfer in the area of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Before co-founding BIOCEA, Ms. Larral was a researcher at the Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) for 12 years. She specializes in pest management and monitoring, with an integrated and sustainable vision.
She has directed and/or coordinated various research and development (R&D) projects, transfer and dissemination of sustainable pest management technologies, with the support of state agencies. She is the author of numerous articles, guides, manuals, and books on this subject.
Her career focuses on the application of science, especially in entomology, to offer pest management solutions in agricultural and urban sectors, promoting practices that integrate global innovation with local knowledge for the protection of crops and biodiversity.
Rafael Rodríguez is a central figure in Chile’s fruit industry, with a deep specialization in table grapes. He is an Agricultural Engineer f...
Rafael Rodríguez is a central figure in Chile’s fruit industry, with a deep specialization in table grapes. He is an Agricultural Engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and has forged an extensive career in fruit production since 1989, working with various crops.
Throughout his career, Rafael has held management positions in agricultural and production areas, and has actively participated in the export of fresh fruit and vineyards. He is a highly respected technical advisor in the industry, providing consulting services to important companies and growers. He has managed more than 1,300 hectares in Geofrut, including crops such as table grapes, peaches, nectarines and plums.
Currently, Rafael serves as Executive President of Uvanova, an entity dedicated to the research and development of table grapes in Chile. His leadership in Uvanova is fundamental to boost competitiveness and innovation in the sector. He is also a fruit growing advisor at Evolución Frutícola.
Rafael’s commitment to the industry is reinforced by his active participation and presidency at Uvanova, where he contributes significantly to the advancement of knowledge and practices in table grape growing in Chile. He is an influential voice in the industry, regularly sharing his analysis on table grape seasons, challenges and opportunities, and the impact of climatic and market factors on production and export.
Managing Director of Cool Carriers Chile, with over 30 years of experience in the maritime-port industry in Chile and abroad.
In his curr...
Managing Director of Cool Carriers Chile, with over 30 years of experience in the maritime-port industry in Chile and abroad.
In his current position at Cool Carriers, a leading refrigerated transport shipping company, Mr. Barckhahn oversees all operations in Chile and Brazil. Focusing his management on the logistics and transport of fresh fruit for export, covering key products such as table grapes, stone fruits, cherries, blueberries, and melons, destined for various international markets, including Europe and both coasts of the United States.
Throughout the fruit seasons, Ricardo Barckhahn regularly shares his vision of the market and Cool Carriers’ services through interviews and reports. He is an important link in the development of the national fruit industry.
Mr. Barckhahn emphasizes that teamwork, adaptability, and fostering strong long-term relationships with customers are fundamental to Cool Carriers’ continued success.
General Manager of Agrícola Dainal Ltda., a company he has been in charge of for 27 years, since 1997. Although he is a civil engineer by professi...
General Manager of Agrícola Dainal Ltda., a company he has been in charge of for 27 years, since 1997. Although he is a civil engineer by profession, with a degree in industrial civil engineering from the University of Chile, he has dedicated much of his professional life to agriculture.
He joined the Research Commission for Table Grape Development, UVANOVA, as representative of the Atacama Region in September 2015. In September 2023, he assumed the presidency of APECO (Association of Producers and Exporters of the Copiapó Valley), where he seeks to promote table grapes in the region.
Noteworthy is APECO’s achievement in the agreement for the systems approach, which allows table grape exports to the United States without methyl bromide fumigation. This agreement, sought for more than 20 years, benefits Chilean producers by leveling the playing field with competitors and creating new opportunities for growth.
His experience includes managing an agricultural business and actively participating in trade associations relevant to the fruit industry, particularly in the table grape sector. He has stood out for his commitment to the efficiency and profitability of the sector, as well as for addressing challenges such as fruit fly control.
He is a renowned farmer and businessman from the Aconcagua Valley in Chile, with an extensive and relevant career in the agricultural and trade sec...
He is a renowned farmer and businessman from the Aconcagua Valley in Chile, with an extensive and relevant career in the agricultural and trade sector.
Since April 2024, he has held the presidency of the Federation of Fruit Producers of Chile (Fedefruta), the country’s main fruit industry association, and is a director of the National Society of Agriculture (SNA).
Before assuming the presidency of Fedefruta, Mr. Catán had been a member for more than 20 years. In addition, he has held different positions in the Federation, such as advisor and vice-president in the previous administration.
Throughout his career, he has presided over the emblematic Santa Rosa de Los Andes Farmers’ Association as well as the Regional Strategic Program for Sustainable Fruit Growing in the Valparaíso region (PERFRUTS), which was recognized by Corfo as a benchmark.
He also chaired for many years the San Miguel Canal Association, belonging to the first section of the Aconcagua River, where he acquired vast experience regarding the problems and needs of irrigators.
Victor Catán is also passionate about the traditions of the Chilean countryside, especially rodeo, having held various positions within his organization, including the presidency of the Chilean Rodeo Federation.
His vision and passion position him as an influential leader in the future development of Chilean fruit growing.