With a slight increase in volume and stable prices the 2011-2012 campaign closed. The major highlight was the increased shipments to Europe and the Far East, where the opening of the Chinese market had a positive impact.
Blueberries had in 2011-2012 stable export season, closing the export cycle for this berry with a total of 70,100 tons, which represents a growth of 0.3% compared to the previous season, according to data compiled by the Association of Exporters of Chile.
The causes behind this situation of low growth, may had been due to weather problems that diminished the production. However, Isabel Quiroz, executive director of IQonsulting considers that this situation won't happen next season, because there are still plantations that have not reached their peak of production.
As for prices, "on average the season performed well, although it was affected by some short-lived post harvest arrivals, also high temperature that affected different areas of production since mid-December to mid-February," said Isabel Quiroz.
The rising and coming down
While the United States remained the main market for Chilean shipments of this berry, this season had an increase in shipments to Europe and the Far East.
Shipments to U.S. fell by 6%, with 54,862 tons, representing 79% of the total blueberry exports, versus the 84% (69,923 tons) in 2011.
One of the issues to pay attention to in this market is the quality of the fruit. "This
aspect should be worked on and above all, studying the blueberry's behaviour according to the climatic conditions so as to limit exports in the case that it should be necessary in order to not cause distortion in prices," stated Isabel Quiroz.
Meanwhile in Europe, berries grew 32%, from 8,620 tons in 2010-2011 to 11,363 tons this cycle. In the Far East there was a growth of 48% after going from 1,945 tons to 2,884 tons. Within this market Asoex highlights the opening of the Chinese market to blueberries, "which allowed the arrival of the first blueberry shipments totaling 168 tons, a significant increase in exports is expected for next season to this market," he says. It is also important the upcoming opening of the South Korean market.
The Middle East, although it has a significant figure in growth (513%), in volume is very limited: 98 tons this season.
One thing to keep in mind for next season is the interest shown by India for this berry, as was indicated recently to the Minister Luis Mayol.
Varieties with upward trends
As for varieties, according to data from Asoex, Legacy was the one that had the highest growth in virtually all the markets. Thus, in the U.S., this variety had a presence of 4,454 tons, other varieties such as Duke fell (-16%), Highbush (-34%), and Brigitta (-20%). Oneil grew by 22% and 2% Brightwell. In Europe, Legacy had a growth of 69%, although with only 852 tons. Oneil also grew 48%, the Brigitta 18% and Brightwell 515%. Meanwhile Duke and Highbush decreased -7% and -27% respectively. This last variety, however had an interesting growth in the Far East, with 51% and represented the biggest volume of the varieties exported. Legacy, meanwhile, grew by 166% and 53% Duke.
Looking at exports by region, the biggest volume came from the regions
VII and VIII with 26,639 and 19,894 tons respectively.
Exporters ranking
Regarding exporter's ranking, Hortifrut topped the list, with 17% of total exports. Followed by Vital Berry and Inversiones Agroberries. A fact to be considered is the growing number of companies involved in the business, indicated Asoex. Last season there were 143, ie the sector is increasingly competitive.
Source: El Mercurio of Santiago