In the context of XL International Blueberry Seminar Chile 2026, to be held on April 16, one of the most important spaces in the program will be the panel discussion entitled “Chile facing new global competition: Defensive strategy or transformation?”This forum addresses many of the questions currently facing the Chilean industry. blueberry in a scenario of greater competitive pressure and profound changes in the way of producing, competing and reaching markets.

As part of the seminar's business segment, this panel will offer a strategic perspective on the current state of the sector. In a context marked by more efficient production models, advances in genetics, and increased demands from international markets, the discussion will focus on how Chile should position itself within an increasingly sophisticated global industry.

Voices for a background conversation

The panel's relevance also lies in the diversity and specific weight of its participants. From the productive and commercial sectors, the presence of Felipe Silva, director of Agrovision Chile, will provide the vision of a company that has driven transformations in efficiency, scale and productive consistency.

Felipe Silva at the XXV International Blueberries Seminar Chile 2023 © Blueberries Consulting

From the trade union perspective, Ruy Barbosa, Chairman of the Cranberry Committee of ChileIt will add a sectoral perspective at a time when the industry needs to articulate common responses to a more dynamic and demanding international scenario.

Ruy Barbosa – President of the Chilean Fruit Blueberry Committee and Country Manager North Bay Produce © Blueberries Consulting

The genetic component will be represented by Pilar Bañados, Hortifrut Genetics & APAC, at a stage where varietal conversion has become one of the main drivers of competitiveness, redefining key attributes such as firmness, flavor and post-harvest life.

Pilar Bañados Hortifrut Genetics & APAC

For its part, José Monasterio, Frusan, and Francisco Herrera, AgroberriesThey will contribute from the operation and post-harvest, addressing one of the most sensitive points of the business: Chile's ability to maintain quality and condition in increasingly demanding markets.

José Monasterio at the XXXIX International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026. © Blueberries Consulting

To them is added Ignacio SantibáñezCEO QIMA Produceswho will incorporate an international perspective on standards, traceability and retail requirements, variables that today decisively influence access to and permanence in the main markets.

Ignacio Santibañez at the International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2025 © Blueberries Consulting

How to compete in an industry that has changed

Overall, the panel will bring together a broad view of the supply chain. blueberryFrom genetics to the end consumer. This makes it an especially valuable opportunity not only to review the current state of the Chilean industry, but also to project possible paths forward at a stage where competition is no longer defined solely by volume, but also by differentiation, efficiency, quality, and adaptability.

In a scenario where global growth of blueberry It continues, but with increasingly sophisticated competition, the discussion is no longer just about producing more, but about defining how to compete better. Therein lies the main relevance of this meeting: to open a conversation that transcends the current situation and focuses on the future of the sector.

A question that looks ahead to Chile's next stage

The panel will address a fundamental question for Chilean industry: whether the country is merely managing its current position or truly building its next stage of development. This is, ultimately, the strategic dimension that will make this discussion one of the most significant moments of the seminar.

Is Chile defending its position, or is it building the next stage of its development?

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Check out the summary of the Blueberries Chile 2025 Seminar on our website. Blueberries TV Youtube channel