Chilean exports of blueberries Fresh produce would grow by 2% during the 2026-27 season, while the varietal composition of the supply would continue to change: replacement varieties would gain market share and traditional varieties would continue to decline.

According to the first adjustment of the estimate prepared by iQonsulting for the Chilean Fruit Blueberry CommitteeAccording to information as of October 5, the country would export 95.107 tons of fresh blueberries, compared to 92.934 tons in the previous season.

The figure would mark a third consecutive year of growth. If we add some 60 tons of blueberries Frozen products, total exports would approach 155 tons.

One out of every three boxes would be a replacement.

Replacement varieties would reach 30.305 tons, 39% more than last season, and would represent approximately 32% of fresh exports.

Traditional varieties, on the other hand, would decrease by 9%, to 64.803 tons.

“Chile’s growth today is driven by new genetics. Two seasons ago, one in five boxes was of replacement varieties; this season it will be one in three. That means firmer, tastier, and fresher fruit that arrives at its destination in better condition. For the consumer, firm and tasty fruit provides a better experience than large but soft fruit,” said Andrés Armstrong, executive director of the Blueberry Committee.

Quality and condition remain central

The Committee warns that any commercial opportunities that may arise during the season should not result in lower export standards.

“We believe that the opportunities that may arise this season cannot lead us to export lower-quality fruit. On the contrary, they are an opportunity to strengthen Chile's position in terms of quality and consistency. Therefore, the Committee continues to work with our partners to promote fruit quality, which will be the determining factor in capturing market opportunities,” Armstrong stated.

Europe accounts for half of the shipments

Europe consolidated its position as the main market for the blueberry Chilean, with half of the shipments and a growth of 20%.

In the United States, Chilean fruit faces a 12,5% ​​surcharge this season. Shipments to that market decreased during the previous season, while blueberries Organic products grew by 12% and came to represent almost 39% of exports to that destination.

The peak would be concentrated between the end of November and January

The largest exports would be concentrated between weeks 49 and 2, from the end of November to mid-January, with shipments exceeding 8.000 tons per week.

“This season, the speed of the processes will be key. Every hour we save between harvesting, packing, and transport will translate into better condition for the fruit at its destination,” Armstrong said.

Limited climate effects and new review in November

The Committee notes that the estimate also incorporates the effect of El Niño, following the rains recorded between the O'Higgins and La Araucanía regions at the beginning of October and isolated episodes of hail in the foothills of Maule, Ñuble and Biobío at the end of September.

So far, the effects have been limited. The Committee will continue to monitor the fields and expects to present a new adjusted estimate in November.

“These results show that Chile doesn’t compete on volume, but on quality and consistency. New varieties, the growth of organic production, and a diversified network of markets give us the tools to face a more demanding season,” Armstrong concluded.

Read also:

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• Frozen products are gaining importance in the Chilean blueberry export offering
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