The Chilean Blueberry Fruit Committee reports that the country's blueberry export season concluded with a total volume exceeding 86,000 tons. This figure surpasses initial projections, but falls slightly below the previous year's exports.
Andrés Armstrong, the committee's executive director, attributed the initial estimate of 82.300 tons to the balance between uprooted hectares and new plantings, alongside a shift of some orchards to the frozen industry due to increased international competition. A mid-December reassessment predicted a drop to around 76,000 tons, influenced by El Niño's impact on production. However, exports exceeded expectations as fruit, not meeting usual quality standards, was shipped in anticipation of higher prices.
Armstrong remarked: "The final conclusion is that in global terms it was a good season, especially in the first part of the year, but the end will negatively impact our image in the market." He highlighted a unique opportunity for Chilean blueberries to reposition in the market, despite potential long-term sectoral implications.
Source: blueberriesconsulting.com