“The Argentinean blueberry season is wrapping up, but for the next week, we still rely on supplies from Argentina,” says Jack Cain with Westlake Produce Company. “We’ve been receiving the volumes that we need, but Argentinean supplies were off this year.” Hail at the beginning of the season knocked 30-40 percent off the bushes. This was followed by unusual cold weather. Chile is experiencing the same cold weather conditions this growing season. “As a result, blueberry shipments have been pushed back by approximately two to four weeks,” mentioned Cain. Small volumes are shipped in air containers at the moment, but shipment is expected to pick up during the first or second week of December. Vessel shipments won’t start until January.
Prices for a flat with 6 oz. clamshells are $28 - $30 FOB Miami and eight 18 oz. clamshells run between $60 and $64 FOB Miami. The combination of lower supplies and high prices has allowed Westlake Produce to meet its regular business demand.
For more information:
Jack Cain
Westlake Produce Company
Tel: (+1) 863-412-8806