With fresh production expectations similar to those of a year ago, Chilean blueberry production has started in the northern regions and will move south as the season progresses, says Andrés Armstrong, executive director of the Chilean Blueberry Committee.

Peak production comes from the central and south-central regions, Armstrong said. Chilean blueberries typically start to hit peak volume in the last week of the year or the first week of the following year, Armstrong said. Peak timing should follow that schedule this year, he said.

"We anticipate an early conclusion compared to previous seasons, by the third or fourth week of February," he said.

PRODUCTION EXPECTATIONS

Chilean blueberry growers expect to be at the same level of production as last season, at about 375 million pounds, Armstrong said. This season should feature a different variety mix and a lower volume of fresh exports, he said.

"Fruit that doesn't have the right shelf life and varieties that aren't in demand will find a place in the frozen industry," he said.

Armstrong said members of the Chilean Blueberry Committee and fruit exporters are committed to quality and not focused on volume growth.

"Our goal is to supply a renewed variety mix to our different markets," he said.

The main market for fresh Chilean blueberries is the United States, with more than 53% of shipments last season. Other key markets include Europe (34%), Asia (11%), and the remaining 2% within the Middle East and Latin America.

Armstrong said there has been an effort by the Chilean Blueberry Committee and its members, along with ProChile, to develop blueberry consumption around the world, including the US.

“There is a strong focus on organic in the Chilean blueberry industry,” he said. "We estimate that 20% of blueberry production in Chile is certified organic."

 A lot of effort has been put into growing organic blueberries in the country. Still, Armstrong said market conditions last season resulted in more organic blueberries being used in the frozen market, reducing Chilean exports of fresh organic blueberries by 24%. Conventional fresh produce exports fell 6%, he said.

“The United States continues to be our top market for fresh organic blueberries, with 75% of all organic blueberries shipped to the United States, followed by Europe with 24% and the remaining 1% to Canada,” Armstrong said.

WORLD GROWTH

Armstrong said all global markets show consumption growth around the world, but those with the highest rates of increase are in Europe.

"Asia continues to grow, but COVID-19, particularly in China, has made Chilean exporters more conservative when it comes to shipping fruit to that market," he said. "There is potential growth in Asia for Chilean blueberries, as well as for US growers."

TRANSPORTATION

Last season's logistical difficulties were the biggest barrier to Chilean blueberry exports, Armstrong said, but conditions should improve for next season.

"We don't expect to return to pre-COVID-19 conditions, but significant improvements should be seen in the coming season," he said.

“This is especially true in the US market, where the Blueberry Express service will be available from week 49 to bring fresh blueberries from Chile to the East Coast on a consistent basis,” he added.

Representing more than 97% of the volume, nearly all Chilean blueberries are shipped in ocean containers, Armstrong said.