The Chilean blueberry sector has navigated a challenging period marked by increased competition and changing market expectations. The surge of the Peruvian market and its varietal innovation resulted in a diminished role for Chile. Within five years, Chile transitioned from a leading position in blueberry exports to a secondary status.
The International Blueberry Market Yearbook by iQonsulting noted a 28% increase in total exports from the Southern Hemisphere for the 2024/25 season, reaching 436,431 tons. Peru led with 317,847 tons—a 42% rise from the previous season. Meanwhile, Chile saw a 5% increase, reaching 90,647 tons.
Isabel Quiroz from iQonsulting, an authority on Chilean agro-exports, offers insights into the industry's current status. Her analysis focuses on the strategic choices crucial to Chile's resurgence in the blueberry market. She observes that in agricultural industries, following initial enthusiasm and high prices, a pivotal moment arises requiring varietal innovation and enhanced competitiveness.
Quiroz emphasizes the role of the Chilean Blueberry Committee in the country's varietal reengineering. Through technical and commercial evaluations, Chile has revamped its export strategy. The sector has renewed its orchards, focusing on varieties appealing to international markets.
An important aspect of this transformation is the focus on frozen blueberry exports. This strategy has provided stability in pricing and sustains orchard profitability. Modernization and mechanization efforts further enhance Chile's standing as a model for diversification within the fruit industry. Quiroz states, "Chile is back," attributing the sector's recovery to sustainability, quality, and differentiation. These elements are increasingly critical in a market that values not just volume but efficiency and traceability.
Quiroz's analysis presents an understanding of past industry challenges and celebrates the sector's reinvention. Her assessment underscores a strategic shift that involves recognizing past mistakes while emphasizing future sustainability. The message is that Chile's ability to overcome previous varietal hurdles and re-engage market interest signals the industry's determination to reclaim its position on the global stage.
Source: Blueberries Consulting
