Faced with challenges from import bans on many countries, sourcing managers from Russia's largest retailer Magnit have touched down in Chile. 

The delegation has met with representatives from many Chilean food sectors, including the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX), grower group Fedefruta, the Chilean Blueberry Committee and the Chilean Kiwifruit Committee.

"This is the most important chain in the Russian market, as they are not only in the main cities but also in the smaller cities, allowing us to reach more new markets within Russia," ASOEX president Ronald Bown said in a release.

"They have more than 9,000 stores in more than 2,000 localities in Russia, offering great potential to penetrate and position Chilean fruit.

"Magnit is one of the few chains in Russia that buys directly without intermediaries - they have their own import company and a system of logistics, which is also attractive."

Magnit project manager for imports and purchases, Ivan Sergienko, said there were good opportunities for Chilean fruit due to the Russian embargo on imports from Turkey, the European Union, the U.S. and other regions.

"We see good possibilities for importing more fruit from Chile, and that's why we're here today, especially because we are looking to substitute imports that we used to have before from markets that are currently prohibited," Sergienko said.

"We also know about the quality of Chilean fruit. The idea is to increase the volume of imports to reach a price that is competitive and incentivizes consumers, due to the depreciation that our currency has had recently.

"Our consumers continue to show a great interest in grapes, apples and citrus, especially mandarins and lemons, during winter."

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