According to Horacio Ozer, President of the Bluberry Producers and Exporters Union from Uruguay, Upefruy, during the 2012 Blueberry International Seminar, organized by Asoex and the Blueberry Committee from Chile, among the elements that will differentiate the Uruguayan blueberry industry from the Argentinian and Chilean ones is that 94% of blueberry volume in the country is generated by producers-exporters,
"Unlike Chile and Argentina, in Uruguay it is about integration," he said to SimFRUIT, adding that companies are not associated with trading companies, since there is a high concentration of production among few producers. "Two companies export 60% of blueberry production, while the first four export 75%."
In Uruguay, said Ozer, 90% of the companies have packing and cold systems. While
exports "work similarly to those of Argentina, in terms of markets and mode of transmission," he stated.
In relation to target markets, "we believe that Europe will remain our main target given the logistical advantages which we have in this regard ". During 2011, Continental Europe accounted for 44% of exports, followed by the U.S with 32%, the UK 15%, Canada 5% and Asia 4%.
Regarding export volumes during the 2010-2011 season, 2,248 tons were sent to the different destinations, while in 2011-2012 exports totalled 2,707, which represented a 20% increase. As for markets the largest increase was for Canada with 224% and Continental Europe 44%.
As to how to carry out shipments, 65% of exports were done by ships and 35%
by plane. Having the U.S. and Asina markets with the highest percentage of air shipments by 61% and 100% respectively.
The FOB price of exports in 2010 were of USD6.4 per kilo. FOB. While in 2011 was of USD 5.5 per kilo.
The blueberry crop in Uruguay started at the south of the country in 2001, noting the most expansion between the years 2005-2006, under a model of capital coming from the industrial and commercial sectors unrelated to agriculture, and under a model similar to that implemented by Chile and Argentina.
The Industry
Horacio Ozer said that currently the blueberry industry is focused on the development of varieties with a better post-harvest, taste, firmness and appearance of the fruit. "The idea is to migrate from an intensive system to a
super-intensive system with high density and evergreen hedges, among other features. Increase in volume of maritime shipping and improve the system for thermal shock at airports which is a factor that is currently affecting the sector.
While today they are thinking of eliminating those flights of low productivity, helping to improve efficiency and reduce commercial pressure, it is also true that there is a concern in the sector due to the decrease in planted acres, and that, in 2009 the planted area reached 850 hectares, mainly in areas of Montevideo, Salto and Paysandu, while, in 2012 the areas for planting have decreased to about
450 ha., in the Paysandu and Salto areas, only.
In relation to varieties in 2009, 70% were O'neal, while in 2012, nearly 60% correspond to Emerald, Star, Misty, Jewel.
Source: SimFRUIT