Ben David prides itself as a pioneer in fruit exports. For over 50 years Ben David has set itself apart from the rest of the fruit growers through its creativeness, innovations and high quality table grapes: kiwis, cherries and stone fruit. With over 65 percent of its exports going to the United States, Ben David has become one of the leaders in the market delivering freshness and high quality to the American East Coast. The company also exports to Europe, Central and South America, the Mediterranean and the Far East.

The company’s primary product is the table grape, comprising about 75 percent of its total production. “We also are continually looking to the future by creating new varieties of grapes,” says, Mr. Michael Luft, CEO of Ben David. Several varieties that are a 100 percent patented by Ben David are: the Jet Black, Spring Blush and Black Finger Red Grapes and the Prime, Mistery and Melissa Green grapes.

“Our objective is to continue planting varieties with high commercial potential, new varieties of cherries, plums, apples and table grapes with distinct flavors to produce the highest quality always sacrificing volume,” says Luft.

As a Chilean businessman in this sector with over 15 years of experience, Ben David believes that his industry has matured and has adapted with the changing world markets. The fruit sector is now a huge enterprise rather than just farming.

Why a free trade agreement?
With the passage of a free trade agreement between the United States and Chile, the ultimate
winner will be the consumer. Cost reduction, lower barriers, will translate into higher quality fruits.