After his arrival to China, Chilean blueberry exporters estimate 70% increase in five years

For the first time in history the Asian giant opened its borders to blueberries. Chile was the first country to put in its flag and so far this year 238 tons have been exported. The domestic season ended with only 70,000 tons exported.

The first company to reach the Asian giant was VITALBERRY, which exports USD 150 million per year, over all its fruit area.

Fresh blueberries are transported by air and in boxes of 1.5 kg, at a price ranging between USD 19.50 and USD 22.50, which is 10 Dollars more expensive than the values observed in Chile due to the cost of freight.

Rising expectations.

In the domestic blueberry prices are expected to remain stable, which could allow them to reach a larger volume of consumers in China. In December 2011, there was more than 8,000 hectares of blueberries planted in Chile.

"Berries are still in demand, they are reasonably priced and are well regarded by the industry. This gives access to new consumers," said the general manager of Inver-foods, Carlos Correa Larrain. The expectations of the exporters for their first year in the Chinese market were modest. However, the aim is to sustain growth in the coming years.

The conquest of the Asian giant is a priority for the sector. Indeed, last week Minister Luis Mayol finalized an extensive agenda with authorities and businessmen in China, to consolidate the market.

"So far in 2012, 238 tons of blueberries have been exported to China and this interest is shown in the initiative to plant half an acre, to demonstrate this product in a Chinese farm this year," pointed out the Secretary of State.

The season ended recently with a volume greater than 70,000 tons exported of fresh blueberries to different world markets. "Our projection is for this volume to increase by a figure close to 70% in the next 5 years," says the executive director of the Chilean Blueberry Committee, Andres Armstrong.

Bound for China.

Chilean shipments arrive at the Chinese city of Guangzhou, the main distribution centre for fruit imports. The dealers distribute it to markets or marketing chains such as the Chinese supermarket BHG, a retailer that had a massive campaign in March by providing information and conducting product tastings. "Major consumer centres located mainly in the east coast of China have good access to ports and show a dynamic retail allowing proper distribution of our fruit," said Ronald Bown, president of Asoex.

For the past few months, ProChile has had an office in the city of Guangzhou, which is a real market barometer and where the interest of specialized retailers, supermarkets and industrial personal from the food sector has been steady and promising, as confirmed by Prochile´s commercial director in Beijing, Gonzalo
Matamala.

Source: Sago