According to Francisco Estrada, President of King Berry S.A., prices started off low, as has been the case in recent years during the northern hemisphere summer, but began to increase in September, currently reaching a "good level."
"We started growing blueberries in 2005 with only 25 hectares and today we run 120 hectares," says Francisco.
The company exports both regular and organic Fair Trade blueberries, mostly to the United States and the UK, but also to other countries in the EU and Asia.
"This season, we have started to export directly to the Russian market. We are starting slowly, trying to learn more about our customers," he explains.
According to Francisco, the import of Argentinian blueberries in Russia is being carried out directly by supermarket chains.
King Berry owns plantations, a packaging plant, a fumigation centre and a processing plant with freezing facilities inaugurated last year, which is also used to process its organic strawberries, which are shipped to the United States, Canada and Europe.
"This year we are doubling our freezing capacity and expanding our blueberry and strawberry acreage. The idea is for our production and sales to continue growing, always keeping an eye on the market. The goal is to grow by around 25 hectares per year, until we manage to reach 200 hectares. We are doing this with support from investors, as well as clients who trust in our country as a reliable supplier to help reduce the volatility in the supply of early fruit they need for their marketing programmes."
King Berry owns over 120 hectares in the province of Tucuman
Demand for organic blueberries is on the rise in the United States, and Argentina's exports to this country could reach 600 tonnes in 2014.
"The Argentinian market still doesn't appreciate the benefits of organic cultivation. Our organic production currently goes to the traditional market, without any differentiation in terms of pricing," he affirms.
While we expect a growth in the domestic organic market in the coming years, it will likely remain confined to the high class and economically powerful sectors.
Exports grow, but acreage remains the same
Overall, Argentina's acreage has not grown significantly compared to last year, reaching 3,500 hectares with an average yield of between 5,000 and 6,000 kilos per hectare.
Argentina has over 3,500 hectares devoted to the production of blueberries
In 2013 Argentina exported about 12,500 tonnes, and this year the country is expected to reach 16,000 tonnes thanks to the good weather and excellent harvest.
While these are good times for Argentinian blueberries, there are also challenges ahead, such as currency exchange imbalances, a shrinking domestic market and the threat of Peru's growth as a producer.
For more information:
Francisco Estrada
KingBerry S.A.
T:+54 11 48001369+54 11 48001369
M: +549 3814653781
franjoaquinestrada@gmail.com
www.kbargentina.com.ar