China opened the market to Uruguayan blueberries
The blueberry smiles at Uruguay because China opened its market for this fruit considered in the world as «the fruit of the 21st century» for its taste and the benefits it gives to human health.
In addition, Uruguay will attract the eyes of the fruit and business world in September because, together with Argentina, it will host the next World Blueberry Congress, which is held annually in different latitudes.
Regarding the opening of the Chinese market for blueberries, Javier Grassi, general manager of Gamorel, the main producing and exporting company in the country, confirmed yesterday that "We expect the arrival of two inspectors from China next October to make the first shipment".
On the other hand, Marta Bentancur, from the Union of Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Exporters of Uruguay (Upefruy), confirmed that China opened the market to all Uruguayan citrus fruits, which represents great prospects for production and trade.
World Congress in sight
At the headquarters of the Union of Exporters of Uruguay (UEU) was presented yesterday the World Blueberry Congress, which will be held between the 20 and the 22 of next September in Concordia (Argentina) and in Salto (Uruguay), with the slogan Se They need two to dance tango.
Bentancur reviewed the main topics of the congress, which will start in Concordia with the evolution of the world production of blueberries, a panel of European supermarkets and the question whether Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay are competitors or can complement each other.
Around 350 participants will also discuss the issues of harvest and post harvest, try to elucidate whether the blueberry is a commodity or can differentiate in the markets and address climate change and its effects, especially the challenge of anti-hail control.
Two new topics will be in the congress: business practices of social responsibility, with a look at new requirements - a key issue in world production and trade - and the reality of China, a giant potential market, which also produces blueberries.
A special chapter will deserve the benefits of the consumption of blueberries in human health.
On the Uruguayan side, there will be a field visit to Gamorel and on the night of the 21 in September a gala dinner at the Horacio Quiroga Hotel. The next day, Uruguayans will also participate in a visit.
The Uruguayan reality
On the other hand, Bentancur took advantage of a round with the press to give an overview of the production of blueberries in Uruguay, where the cultivation of this fruit takes place mainly in the north - Salto and Paysandú -, where the fruit leaves for export. In the south of the country there is another productive region in Canelones, which mostly produces for the domestic market, Bentancur explained.
He added that it is a productive sector that aims «to high quality for existing markets» and that bases this differentiation on a process of certifications on food safety, social practices and the responsible management of the environment, among others.
The cranberry began its productive trajectory in the country in the 2000 decade, but the climatic adversity and a varietal reconversion have caused a reduction of the area in the last four years. In 2012 there were 492 hectares of blueberries and in 2015 there were 346 hectares.
Bentancur explained that the change in varieties was due to Chile's strong competition in the markets. «The new varieties bear fruit sooner and we can anticipate Chile in the markets with good prices».
The challenge is to start having the fruit at the end of August to avoid the strong Chilean competition that takes place in November. Currently, the supply of fruit begins every year in September and ends in December.
Regarding the export, the blueberry is sold to contraestation in the Northern Hemisphere. The main destinations are the United States, where it is sold with protocols; then Europe, where the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy and Belgium stand out; and finally in Canada. In the total, 60% of exports go to the United States.
As a synthesis of his presentation to journalists, Bentancur said that the production of blueberries in the country "it consolidated, concentrated on a few companies and is once again in full growth". And he stressed that it is a sector that bets "on high quality and that is profitable."
Now Uruguayan blueberries will reach China, a giant market that will force redoubled efforts.
"A great opportunity"
The administrator of Gamorel, the main company in the field of blueberries in the country, and vice president of the Union of Producers and Exporters Frutihortícolas of Uruguay (Upefruy), Javier Grassi, confirmed that in October will arrive a Chinese mission to inspect the production and, within a protocol signed between both countries, "we will do an export test" to the Asian giant. Grassi stressed that "China is a great opportunity", but he warned that "You have to work hard" to conquer that market. The entrepreneur remarked the good work they are promoting together with the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP).
Los números
Cranberry cultivation occupied 346 hectares in 2015 and is expected to reach 360 hectares this year.
Depending on the climate, each hectare produces between 10 thousand and 15 thousand kilos.
In 2015, 1.890 tons were exported for US $ 16 million. The USA is the main destination.
Source: Upefruy
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