Diversity promotes exports
Even though there was a delay in the production of Argentine blueberries last season because of the climate change that affected most Latin American countries, Argentina exported 15 million kilos of blueberries in 2015, a similar volume to those of previous years. 65% went to the United States; 30% to Europe, where the UK stood out, as it had a 16% share of the total. These exports confirm how well consolidated the Argentine blueberry are in the international market.
"Argentina's export production base is supported by several varieties of blueberries that have achieved wide acceptance in the market. Broadly speaking we can say that we have very early varieties, such as snowchaser, primadonna, springhigh, and moderately early varieties, such as emerald, star, Shapphire, and jewel, among others, that allow us to anticipate the premiere production of this fruit. When the northern hemisphere only has stored fruit left, Argentina can start exporting," said Jorge Pazos, representative of Tropical Argentina.
"The plan is to recover farmland"
Even though producing countries, such as Chile and Peru, are increasingly gaining more market for blueberry exports, Argentina does not consider them a direct competition. "Chile is a complementary producer; when we are finished, they are just beginning. Moreover, Argentine and Chilean committees are involved in joint promotional work, this makes us strategic partners. Peru is presented as a threat, but we have the impression that they have not yet managed to find the product that the market requires."
Argentina's long-term plan is to recover and organize new hectares suitable for growing blueberries, so as to significantly increase this fruit's production. Additionally, since the measures taken by the current government have favored the exchange rate and eliminated the payment of export duties, it is logical that export expectations have increased and are becoming easier.
"The increase in export volumes will be a reality thanks to the facilities that the change in laws are giving us. Argentina has developed production techniques and logistics procedures that will facilitate exports. Exporters are positive, and our great challenge is to meet the increased demand in the external market. Regarding the domestic market, Tropical Argentina has put all its efforts in distribution and logistics to supply it with various fruits," said Franco Sibilia, CEO of the company.
For more information:
Franco Sibilia y Jorge Pazos
Tropical Argentina SRL
T: + 54 1144624900