Chilean Fruits expects rebound in blueberry exports

Chile Fruits The association announced that shipments of blueberries abroad have shown a decrease compared to the previous season. In this sense, the association hopes to recover ground in the coming weeks, when there will be a strengthening of the harvests of this fruit.
“By week 47, the accumulated volume shows a 28% decrease compared to the same date of the previous year and 14% less than the accumulated estimate to date.
However, a recovery of this delay is expected in the coming weeks, as the harvests in the area begin with greater force, which should balance the actual volumes with the estimated ones," he explained. Andrés Armstrong, executive director of the Chilean Blueberry Fruit Committee.
“The good news is that the weather, although it has influenced a relatively slower ripening of the fruit, and therefore, has led to a delay to date, it has benefited the quality of the blueberries that we are exporting.
This start of the season marks a record in the quality that the Blueberry Committee verifies weekly for its members. This, together with the increase in new varieties, has meant a very positive start to the season for national producers and exporters. This season, again with data from week 47, shows that 63% of the kilos exported correspond to new varieties, which reflects an increase compared to the previous campaign, where exports of new varieties, at the same date, reached 50%," he added.
Armstrong also stressed that the members of the Chilean Blueberry Committee continue to make progress in maintaining a competitive offer with a fruit condition that allows highlighting the flavor profile that characterizes Chilean blueberries, while at the same time incorporating plantations of new varieties into the season.
“The Committee members identify themselves with their seal of belonging, marking their commitment to quality, varietal renewal and the development of our industry,” Armstrong concluded.