Florida isn’t into its local blueberry supply just yet; consumers are still relying on Chilean imports but the country's program is winding down. Expectations are that it will be ending in the next few weeks. Once April hits, blueberries from Hawthorne, FL will be shipping as expected.
Mexico has also had a good amount of volume this year. Katiana Valdes of Crystal Valley Foods expects they’ll be a big player next season. Overall, she says supply has been good. “We expect to have good Chilean supply through next week, which is the last shipment for Chile. We expect Florida to have a good season as well.”
This is the first year that Crystal Valley has been able to offer Florida grown blueberries. “We’re looking forward to an excellent season.” While Peruvian exporters shipping into the US have a new treatment option available to mitigate for fruit flies, Valdes says Chilean growers continue to use cold treatment. “The quality of the Chilean fruit has been good, in general, this season.”
The demand for blueberries has grown exponentially every year. “They’ve experienced one of the highest rates of consumption growth of all fruit and vegetables. Their ‘super food’ status and tastiness has made them popular among a wide demographic.”
For more information:
Katiana Valdes
Crystal Valley Foods
Tel: (+1) 786-565-4575