In a ceremony attended by public-sector authorities, leaders from the export industry, and representatives of the regional and national logistics and port system, Terminal Portuario Valparaíso (TPV), Cool Carriers and Frutas de Chile officially inaugurated the 2025–26 Chilean fruit export season using refrigerated vessels (reefers) destined for the United States.
Held at TPV’s Berth 8, the event marked the start of loading operations for the first reefer vessel of the season, which will transport thousands of tonnes of fresh Chilean fruit to the North American market during the 2025–26 campaign.
TPV’s general manager, Manuel Cañas, expressed his gratitude for Cool Carriers’ confidence and acknowledged the efforts of TPV’s staff and the entire logistics chain:
“TPV is deeply proud of the trust that Cool Carriers has placed in us. The season we start today reflects a joint effort by many actors. The logistics operation we are undertaking is extremely demanding, and it consolidates TPV and the Port of Valparaíso as a truly multipurpose terminal.”
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During the ceremony, Ricardo Barckhahn, general manager of Cool Carriers, highlighted the strength of the logistics chain and wished TPV and Frutas de Chile a successful 2025–26 season.
“This major milestone stems from our discussions with exporters, where it was determined that there is strong demand to reach the U.S. market—mainly with stonefruit, cherries and blueberries—two weeks earlier. In this context, TPV has responded optimally to our needs. They have handled our cargo with outstanding performance, and we hope to continue working together for many years.”
Andrés Armstrong, executive director of the Blueberry Committee of Frutas de Chile, stressed the importance of these vessels:
“For our fresh blueberry shipments, having this type of vessel is essential, as it allows us to reach the United States in approximately 12 days—key to ensuring the quality and condition of our fruit.”
Similarly, Claudia Soler, executive director of the Cherry Committee of Frutas de Chile, noted:
“The United States is the second most important destination for Chilean fresh cherries, after China. It is a market that consumes large volumes of cherries in summer, so there is significant potential for winter consumption as well, and that is something we plan to encourage with our promotions. Having these fast vessels, which we are inaugurating today, allows us to arrive early and take advantage of the demand in the Christmas season.”
Franco Gandolfo, general manager of Empresa Portuaria Valparaíso (EPV), stated:
“Terminal No. 2 handles breakbulk cargo and is particularly important for fruit, as a significant portion of fruit volumes move on reefer vessels that carry the fruit on pallets. Terminal No. 2 (TPV) is therefore a key hub for this purpose, both at Berth 6 and Berth 8, which is now receiving its first vessel and will contiThe event marks the start of Cool Carriers’ refrigerated vessel season, with shipments of cherries, blueberries and stonefruit bound for the United Statesnue doing so throughout the fruit season.”
The event concluded with a ceremonial bell ringing, symbolizing the commitment of TPV, Cool Carriers, and Frutas de Chile to strengthening Chile’s foreign trade.
