Chile's blueberry industry is preparing for a new season. The estimate, made by the Chilean Blueberry Committee - Asoex, points to a volume to be exported fresh of 117.000 tons, similar to the total exported the previous season.

Although a new production record of 178.000 tons is estimated, as a result of new plantations and the renewal of varieties with higher productivity, there is a more rigorous selection of the fruit to be exported fresh, therefore, the increase will be channeled mainly towards the export of frozen / IQF and the domestic market.

The estimate also shows that varietal replacement is a reality in Chile, the new varieties have already reached 25% of participation, these plantations are in their growing stage of yields and contribute to growth in production and better quality of supply.

Regarding organics, it is expected that fresh exports reach 18% and frozen 27%, also accounting for the advance of this type of production in Chile.

The export estimate that the Chilean Blueberry Committee - Asoex communicates to the industry annually is a very relevant input in the next season's programming for all industry participants.

However, the season that is starting in Chile looks challenging.

Among the problems to be faced are the great drought, the availability of labor and logistics problems due to low availability of containers, longer transit times and delays in loading and unloading reefer vessels in various ports around the world.

Of all the problems to be faced, the one that will have the least impact on the production and export of blueberries is drought.

The producers have very efficient technical irrigation systems, and it will not be such a serious problem in blueberries this season.

However, the two biggest problems of the current season are the availability of manpower and port logistics.

It is estimated that the lack of labor will reduce the fresh harvest by 7% of the potential production (already incorporated in the estimate) and it is expected that the increase in frozen will be 10% compared to the last season for this same reason. .

On the other hand, the impact of logistical difficulties is very difficult to estimate and exporters are currently working hard on scheduling shipments with shipping companies to minimize this problem that affects the transport of all world trade.

In the current season 2021-22, 110,5 tons of fresh blueberries have already been dispatched until September 23, 44% less than last season on the same date.

This accounts for a slower season, but one that will advance rapidly because the weather forecast indicates days of higher temperature in the area that currently have harvest activity.