A large attendance of producers and various actors linked to the global blueberry industry are having the various commercial and technical talks scheduled for International Blueberry Month.

Between 750 and 850 people connect every Tuesday and Thursday from about twenty countries to participate in the analysis and talks by experts and consultants, or in the presentations of researchers and technicians on the various aspects of the crop and its market.

This Tuesday it will be the European and South African market that will be analyzed in its current state and post-Covid-19 projections, and the challenges and opportunities that arise for the commercialization of blueberries. The safety and security requirements of the products will also be analyzed, as well as the new health standards that will be applied in the post-pandemic stage.

European market

This Tuesday 18, from 11.00 am (Chilean time), the program will be opened by Hans Liekens, commercial manager for Europe and North Africa at Fall Creek, giving his talk: "European market conditions and the impacts of COVID-19".

Hans Liekens, in addition to being a top international industry executive, is a seasoned entrepreneurial leader and strategist for brands and agribusinesses. He has a vast knowledge of the behavior of the European market and a broad vision of the best strategies to insert himself in the new scenarios that are coming.

South Africa

The second talk will be given by Wian Mouton, Fall Creek commercial manager for South Africa, an expert closely linked to the cultivation of blueberries, both in its genetics and in its market.

Mouton will address the "South African market conditions and the impacts of COVID-19".

South Africa, and the African region in general, has experienced great growth in the cultivation of blueberries, acquiring state-of-the-art technology and planting new varieties grown with modern management. The knowledge of this reality is of great importance for the producers of other countries and for the modernization of the industry in general.

New standards

Finally, Johanna Trombert, specialist in quality and food safety, will give the talk "Standards of innocuousness, safety and health in the future market"

This specialist has long experience in quality and postharvest of raspberries and blueberries, developing autonomous quality systems. In addition, she is an expert in Corporate Responsibility, venturing into the great issue of sustainability in the industry, specifically in promoting B companies, through B multipliers. She is currently an advisor to fruit exporters in matters of quality, food safety and sustainability. in Chile and abroad.

All sessions end with a round of questions, which delves into the topics discussed or other topics of interest to attendees. To participate in these talks you can connect to this link: