USA US: Imports of Chilean blueberries are delayed

23/11/2015

«The Argentine blueberry season is ending, but next week we will still have to depend on them», says Jack Cain, of Westlake Produce Company. "We have been receiving the necessary volumes, but Argentine supply has been scarce this year". The hail at the beginning of the season affected the 30-40 percent of the bushes, which was followed by unusually cold temperatures.

Chile is experiencing the same cold temperatures this growing season. “As a result, blueberry shipments have been delayed by approximately two to four weeks.”, adds Cain. At the moment small volumes are sent in containers by air, but they are expected to rebound in the first or second week of December. Shipping by boat will not start until January.

The prices of a box of shell-type containers of 170 grams cost between 28 and 30 FOB Miami dollars, and eight shell-type containers of 510 grams cost between 60 and 64 FOB Miami dollars. The combination of lower supply and high prices has allowed Westlake Produce to satisfy its demand for regular business.

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