Chile: Heat could intensify blueberry volumes

The season in the South-Central Zone is coming to an end, whilethe most important variety is starting to be harvested in the South Zone, aspickings of Elliot began last week. Harvest of this variety continuesprogressively, though high temperatures could cause a concentration of fruit. This situation will be monitored during the following week inorder to determine if the exports dynamics must be readjusted. If that is thecase, the season could end earlier than last year.

Exports reached levels similar to last week during Week 3,totaling 4,500 tons. Accumulated volumes to date reach47,700 tons, being 0.5% lower than the estimate.From next week onward, harvest will be focused onRabbiteye varieties in the South-Central Zone, whileBrigitta and Legacy would start nearing their end in theSouth Zone.

Meanwhile, Elliot would become significantstarting February.The heat differential remains stable regarding previous weeks in the South-Central Zone, which has led to an adequate harvest progression ofRabbiteye varieties, which currently represent the most significant volumes.

In the South Zone, the heat accumulation difference remains30%, 23% and 26% higher than last year, on average, in the IX, XIV and XRegions, respectively. Hence, harvest maintains an active pace in regionswhere the degree-days accumulation has increased, while rather moderateactivity is seen in the Region of Los Rios (XIV).