There are some early signs that the South American blueberry season is approaching its end. The number of growers in Peru supplying the market is reducing while Chile is also expected to start seeing a drop in production in the next few weeks after weather caused a delay at the start of the season.
"Supplies of blueberries from Peru are starting to dwindle down," said Mike Bowe, of B&B Imports. "There are only a few growers left now as they are coming to the end of their season. In Chile, growers experienced strange weather patterns early in the season which caused a delay. Supply has been steady since. In the next week or two, we should start to see a shortening of supply from Chile."
Bowe noted that Mexico should be able to fill a gap before the domestic season begins in the United States. "Mexico grows blueberries in various regions covering most months of the year, but not in any great volumes," he noted. "However, we should see some decent supply starting around the same time that the Florida season commences in March, April."
Market currently stable
As South American production stabilized, so did the market. Early in the season, an increase in blueberry volume from Chile in the US market saw prices ease. Since then the market stabilized, but suppliers expect a rise in prices as South American production decreases.
"Recently, it's been a fairly stable market with consistent supply," Bowe said. "After the season in Chile was delayed at the start, much of the volume that was supposed to go to the Asian market ended up being reassigned to the United States. This additional volume put downward pressure on prices. The market is expected to pick up again in a week or so when supply from South America begins to decrease and before domestic production starts."
For more information:
Mike Bowe
B&B Imports, Inc.
Tel: +1 (513) 231-8021