Fresh vegetable imports increased by nearly a third last year, says the Commerce Department, while fruit imports rose a more modest 6 percent. Berries and other highly perishable products are often flown to domestic markets within 48 hours of harvest. Trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, have opened U.S. produce markets to Mexico and other Latin American countries. Americans crave what's fresh. Because of health awareness, consumption of fresh produce is increasing.
Taste is also important.
Chile, one of the leading exporters of fresh fruit to the United States, has capitalized on all these factors. Because it's in the southern hemisphere, Chile's harvests occur opposite ours. So when U.S. consumers are ready to treat themselves to a bowl of fresh raspberries or blueberries in February, the Chileans are picking and shipping. Chile's success has inspired countries such as Argentina, Peru, Guatemala and South Africa to build their fresh produce export industries. AAHL cites a survey that shows about 40 percent of respondents prefer to buy American-grown produce because of superior safety and sanitation standards.