Chile: Demand for blueberries continues to rise every year
The northern region of Chilean blueberry production has finished its harvest and the north-central region is harvesting fewer quantities, the south-central and southern regions continue to have great activity. Last week's Chilean Blueberry Committee report states that 6.615 tons of fresh blueberries were exported from Chile during week 6, of which 72% went to North America, 20% to Europe and 8% to China. «This week the volumes of the current season begin to decrease«.
Chilean blueberries: weekly shipments in tons
In the report there are some notable facts. The first is the impact that the supply of organic blueberries has had. «In the case of exports of fresh organic blueberries, a higher expected volume of the southern regions was confirmed for this season. So far, there have been 4 consecutive weeks with exports exceeding 1.100 tons (see the chart of green shipments). In the 6 week, the exports were of 1.180 tons and represented the 17,8% of the total exported in the last week«.
The Chilean Blueberry Committee has attended the Biofach fair in Nuremberg, Germany, this year. «The demand for organic products is increasing every year and the increased production of organic blueberries in Chile is a response to that demand. During the current season, fresh exports of organic blueberries represent 9% of Chile's total fresh exports, and it is very likely that the season ends with an 10%«.
Weekly deliveries of organic blueberries from Chile in tons
As can be seen in the graph above, since the beginning of this year there has been an increase in organic supply exports, because the central-southern region is the one that has the largest contribution at the moment, including the Region of the Araucanía: «This region stands out for its contribution to the ecological offer with traditional varieties such as Brigitta, Legacy and Elliot and others of smaller volume«.
Chilean blueberries: total export in tons
Total volumes
The second important aspect that the committee highlighted in last week's update is the final volume of the season, which is expected to exceed the initial estimate. «This is mainly due to the climate, which has been optimal for the development of the fruit and for harvesting operations. The low rainfall during the summer has not affected much and during the next 2 weeks, good conditions are forecast to be maintained«.
Source: FreshPlaza
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