Asia drives blueberries heading
The 2016-2017 export season starts with optimism. Demand from the United States and China is firm and a moderate increase in production is expected.
The first data are surprising many. Good weather conditions are allowing the blueberry harvest to start a couple of weeks earlier than expected.
The gears that have been launched are gigantic. In the last season the cranberries, according to the Asoex, exported US $ 569 million and, incidentally, they became one of the most booming fruit crops. The planted area already exceeds 15 thousand hectares.
That the season left earlier than usual is not the only striking thing. Although the volumes are still small enough to make projections for the whole season, the violent jump of shipments to Asia, pulled by the demand of China, draws attention.
In fact, optimism is a common letter among blueberry producers these days. An important novelty, if you consider the productive problems of last year due to the climate and the boom that is expected in the supply of Peru for this season.
Strong demand
Manuel José Alcaíno, President of Decofrut, details the marketing elements used by the blueberry industry in the United States. Road warnings, videos of famous people who call to consume them and a long etcetera.
“That has allowed them to grow every year in production and still continue with good prices. This means that there are more and more consumers interested in blueberries. This benefits Chile a lot, since it produces in counter-season"explains Alcaíno.
Paulina Campos, responsible for blueberries of the exporter Copefrut corroborates the confidence. "The demand for Chilean blueberries in the United States is increasing since this fresh fruit is present 52 weeks a year, which has meant that the demand during the winter does not drop as much as in previous years"He says.
Good news, if one takes into account that traditionally the majority of Chilean exports of blueberries have gone to the United States.
In any case, Isabel Quiroz, director of Decofrut, affirms the attractiveness of blueberries is not restricted to the United States.
“It is in good demand in all markets. It has been the 'fashionable' fruit for health reasons, but it also adapts well to snack formats and is added fresh to yogurt along with breakfast cereals. In addition, the prestige already gained in traditional markets is being transferred to other countries where blueberries still have little presence.Quiroz says.
Within those other markets, China stands out. There the consumption associated with health is very important. The demand, although still incipient, is more than interesting. Although part of the Chilean exports to that market enter via Hong Kong, so there are no such clear statistics, it is estimated that last year the Chinese consumed about 10 thousand tons of Chilean blueberries.
One way to see the impact of Chinese demand is through local production. In 2014 that country had 14.858 hectares, almost the same as Chile. The striking thing is that it represents a jump of 1.081% with respect to 2007.
This data helps to understand that of the 85 tons exported between the 33 and 37 week of the current season, the 80% has been shipped to Asia. Obviously, with the increase of the volumes of the harvest the relative importance will fall, but it gives an account of the Chinese interest.
In any case, it is not about sending any product, as consumption of cereals at breakfast is still not customary in the East. Until now, it is consumed more as a snack, so larger sizes are required than in the United States.
The selection of the fruit that is sent is also key. "There are almost 35 days of travel, much more than in North America, so it is necessary to send fruit of good quality and condition"explains Cristóbal Duke, general manager of Huertos Collipulli.
Slight increase
These days, one of the signals expected by commercial executives is the projection of how much Chile's exportable offer will be in the nascent season.
As reference there are the 91 thousand tons exported in the last season. A factor that complicates the analysis is the important varietal change that is experienced. The arrival of varieties with better production and post-harvest life means the start of old orchards, which is partially canceled with the increase in the volumes of new plantations.
To this we must add the climatic imponderables, such as the recent frosts.
The analyst Isabel Quiroz estimates that the Chilean offer should be around 94 thousand tons this season. The most optimistic risk talking about a volume closer to the 100 thousand tons.
In any case, the final offer will depend on how attractive the price paid by the frozen companies is. Usually, a third of what is paid for the product that goes fresh is paid.
“It is a very important complement to production. It may seem like there is a big price difference. However, the cost of the harvest is lower and, in addition, it gives an outlet for fruit that can go bad if it is exported fresh, so the returns can be very low or non-existent.", ends Manuel José Alcaíno.
US $ 569 million represented blueberry exports in the last season.
“I am optimistic about this season. The sector is making a significant effort to renew varieties and offer a very good product. Volume increases will be marginal and there is an international market with good demand.".
Andrés Armstrong, Chairman Committee of Cranberries
“Competition is always a concern, especially from Peru, whose shipments are being distributed throughout Chile's export period. However, the danger is in the future, because the volumes are still lower”.
Isabel Quiroz, director of iQonsulting
“Today about 60 percent of the volume exported by Chile goes to the United States. Undoubtedly, the most interesting market for Chilean blueberries is the Far East, where a demand of 10 to 12 tons is projected.".
Paulina Campos, commercial manager of blueberries of Copefrut
Source: Field Magazine
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