In the 1950s, the fruit and vegetable industry began a seedy export-oriented growth trend. Technological developments were the determining factor in launching this important production industry into the international arena.

Chilean fruit and vegetable exports date back to the early 20th century; however, the industry's steady growth did not begin until the early 1950s. The main factors that promoted this development were technological advantages that allowed shipping the products in vessels with cold storage chambers. The fruit and vegetable industry began in the late 1970s and early 1980s and it was due mainly to two factors:

Chile 's natural conditions for producing fruit and vegetables that grow in mild climates.
Changes in Chile 's economic policies, based on a strategy involving participation and opening up to foreign trade.