Imported blueberries from Chile are at peak right now.
“We’ve been at the peak weeks of yield for the last couple of weeks and for the next two weeks,” says Tom Richardson of The Giumarra Companies based in Los Angeles, Ca. “By the first of March, we should start to see volumes declining. Watching the departures from Chile, they’re reduced already. There’s a three-week transit time from that country of origin to North America so by early March, volumes will decline pretty rapidly.”
He notes that overall Chile is down some eight to 10 percent in supplies this season. “It was primarily weather-related. They had record heat over the last few weeks so a lot of the fruit wasn’t available for export,” he says. “I think more fruit went to the process side of the industry.” Richardson also adds that Chile, which began with significant volumes in the first week of December, will likely finish up a week earlier than usual.
Peru more of a player
At the same time, Peru came in strong this season. “”We’ve had additional volumes from Peru that are greater than they have been in previous years and even greater than they were last year,” says Richardson. “That’s a trend we’ll continue to see play out over the next several years.”
On demand, it’s still strong for blueberries. “We continue to have a greater and greater footprint in berries with multiple size offerings, organics and more,” says Richardson. “More and more we’re seeing the berry category front and centre in the produce department.”
Price matching
That puts pricing at similar levels to last year’s numbers. “It’s about what we’d expect in the peak volumes of the Chilean season,” says Richardson. “As soon as we see volumes start to pare back, we’ll see a quick reaction price-wise and the markets will strengthen.”
And just as supplies from Chile and Peru wrap up, domestic berry production begins with Florida. “We’re hearing that the crop in Florida looks better than what they’ve had the last two years and barring any unforeseen late cold weather, they’ll get underway mid-March,” says Richardson.
For more information:
Tom Richardson
The Giumarra Companies
Tel: +1 (562) 308-5480
trichardson@giumarra.com
https://www.giumarra.com/