The Chilean Blueberry Committee reported that the market supply is still slow, although relatively higher arrivals from Argentina caused a very strong price adjustment during week 45 in the U.S. market. The market is undoubtedly affected by the long period of time in which the supply was low and Chile's inclusion into it will need to be prepared in order to generate the high turnover that the business requires in its peak periods.
The fruit is ripening slowly and the quality is good, however, there is a one-week delay due to the low temperatures in recent weeks, which could shift the peak shipments forecast, around 7,000 tonnes, from week 49 to week 50, something that, according to the Committee, will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
They also claim that if it still doesn't rain in the central area, where the harvest is currently going through its busiest days, they will have an optimal product in December, Chile's most consistent moment in the market.
Currently the Jewell and Star blueberry varieties are being harvested and some producers have already started with O'Neil.
Last weeks exports (45) reached 311 tonnes, 75% of which were exported mainly by air to the U.S. (70 %), Asia (16 %), and Europe (10 %). To date, Chile has exported 844 tonnes, i.e. 32% more than in the last season.