"The Chilean blueberry season is drawing to a close, with the last volumes being exported this week," Andres Armstrong of the Chilean Blueberry Committee says at the Global Berry Congress. Andres presented an overview of the season so far. Carlos Stabile of the Argentinean Blueberry Committee discusses the infrastructural developments in the South American country.
Andres Armstrong of the Chilean Blueberry Committee presented the season's figures.
The Chilean Blueberry Committee represents about 80% of the Chilean blueberry trade. The committee's efforts include stimulation of export, with a focus on the United States, Canada, EU, Russia, Norway, South Korea, China and Brazil.
Following a dip in volume in 2013, blueberry cultivation showed an upward trend again in 2014. Compared to 2013, the increase amounted to 20%, compared to the year 2012/13, the growth amounts to 5%. "The figures up to March 8 show that the volumes will amount to 91,000 tonnes this year," Andres says.
Worldwide, sales of berries increased, the American market grows by 18%, the EU by 24% and Asia by 39%. One thing to keep in mind with these figures compared to 2013, is the lower volume that year. "We are also seeing an increasing share of ports in the United Kingdom and Europe." In Asia, the main markets are China and South Korea. "We've had access to Korea for three years now. This year, we will grow by 45% in this market."
Worldwide, sales of berries increased, the American market grows by 18%, the EU by 24% and Asia by 39%. One thing to keep in mind with these figures compared to 2013, is the lower volume that year. "We are also seeing an increasing share of ports in the United Kingdom and Europe." In Asia, the main markets are China and South Korea. "We've had access to Korea for three years now. This year, we will grow by 45% in this market."
Carlos Stabile of the Argentinean Blueberry Committee talks about investments in infrastructure.
In Argentina, the acreage was 4000 at the highest point, which decreased to a low of 1000 hectares. "The past years, a lot of investments were made in new varieties, sorting machines and Auto-QC inspections," Carlos Stabile says. In addition, a lot has changed in terms of logistics. "Most blueberries are exported by air freight. In order to realize shorter transport times, investments were made in Tucuman Airport facilities." While many shipments used to leave the country through the airport of Buenos Aires, now there are 65 direct flights from Tucuman. In addition, a lot of investments have been made in storage facilities at the airport.
Of the countries on the southern hemisphere where blueberries are grown, all countries are net exporters. The only exception to this rule is Australia.
The Global Berry Congress was held last Tuesday in Rotterdam. Earlier this week, we reported on the challenges in the soft fruit sector as observed by Robert Verloop, and the new markets that emerge from a Eurofruit study. And also about the various promotional campaigns that, in conjunction with retail, are to increase consumption, for instance through cross-overs into other segments.
The Global Berry Congress was held last Tuesday in Rotterdam. Earlier this week, we reported on the challenges in the soft fruit sector as observed by Robert Verloop, and the new markets that emerge from a Eurofruit study. And also about the various promotional campaigns that, in conjunction with retail, are to increase consumption, for instance through cross-overs into other segments.