Chile: Blueberry export to rise as year ends

In Chile the harvest of early variety blueberries is coming to an end in the central and south central growing areas, giving way to the mid season harvest, which according to the Chilean Blueberry Committee, has been advancing moderately. This has allowed for a well programmed harvest, which in turn favours a better quality berry which has characterized the season so far.

During Week 50 the maximum temperatures in harvest areas increased and now reflect a greater accumulated heat difference ranging between 0 and 6% between Regions VIII and X. With these higher temperatures, the maturation of the fruit becomes more dynamic. But this should not pose a problem because there is a greater availability of berry pickers due to decreased production in other fruit varieties. Beginning next week the accumulated volumes of blueberries will begin to match last year’s numbers.

Currently accumulated volumes total 4,000 tons less (-22%) than last season.

In Week 50, 6,300 tons of blueberries were exported, bringing the year-to-date total to 15,200 tons, or 22 percent less than the previous season (4.200 tons less) and 3 percent less than the estimated – a difference of 460 tons. Still, since the mid-season harvest is now beginning in the south central area, and since temperatures are getting warmer, there will be greater export volumes and the volume gap between this season and the 2012/2013 season will diminish as the year comes to a close.