Chile projects blueberry growth

The industry is confident export volume will increase by a further 25-30 per cent this season in line with ongoing expansion across South America. Chilean blueberry exports are anticipated to rise by 25-30 per cent to around 54,000 tonnes during the 2009/10 season, according to local industry sources.

Weather conditions have been normal in the South American country, exporters told Fruitnet.com, with no problems likely to impact either production or exports. Suppliers expect the US will import a greater volume of blueberries this year, supported by increasing promotional activities for the fruit.

Overall, however, Chile’s performance on the US market will depend largely on Argentina’s supply, prices and quality on arrival as well as Chilean quality and marketing conditions. Last season, Chile exported some 41,600 tonnes of blueberries overseas – an increase of 37 per cent on the 2007/08, according to figures from Expordata.

Of that total, the US market received roughly 84 per cent or 34,984 tonnes, an increase of 48 per cent on the previous season. Europe and Asia import around 12 per cent of Chile’s annual crop. In 2008/09, Europe absorbed 5,261 tonnes (down by 4 per cent on 2007/08) followed by Asia with 1,085 (down 100 per cent), according to Expordata.

Latin America also received 136 tonnes (up 600 per cent) last season, while other markets accounted for the remaining 135 tonnes.

Source : Fruitnet.com