While the Chilean blueberry season started with low volumes in August, in week 34, volumes have started to really increase last month. Strong promotable volumes of Chilean blueberries are expected to be available in January and February. Karen Brux, from the Chilean Association of Fresh Fruits of North America, shares: “Week 47 was the first week that Chile shipped more than 1,000 tons of blueberries to North America, and now we are entering the peak weeks for blueberry shipments from Chile ”.

Average volumes but change in variety share

Chile's total expected volumes for blueberries this year are comparable to last year's volumes. "The Chilean Blueberry Committee projects 111.500 tons of total fresh blueberry exports, 2% more than last season," says Brux. Despite this slight increase, current exported volumes are lower than at this time last year due to slower berry ripening caused by colder temperatures: the total volume shipped through December 13 is down 6% . “The weather in spring continued to be very favorable, but with daytime temperatures not as high as last season, the total volume is currently lower than what we saw at the same time last season. However, temperatures in recent weeks have increased in the Central Zone, which has accelerated the rate of ripening and harvesting.

Although cooler weather slowed ripening, water availability in Chile this season has been excellent. “Increased rains in winter and the accumulation of snow in the mountain range have given new life to the regions affected last year by the drought. Specifically, the V, Metropolitan and VI regions are seeing greater water availability ”, he shares.

While the volumes expected this year are comparable to previous years, the industry is seeing a significant shift in variety share this season. "Older varieties are declining and newer varieties with better attributes, such as stronger production, better flavor, longer shelf life, are increasing," says Brux. Over the next several weeks, as shipments from Chile increase, the current gap in exported volumes is expected to change compared to last year.

North America remains the focus for organic blueberries

While overall volumes were up about 2% for the season, organic volumes have seen a much more substantial increase. "Until the end of November, the total exported volumes of organic blueberries reached 3.781 tons, 16% more than last season," says Brux. "The US market has increased the demand for organic blueberries," he adds. “The general trend shows a decrease in shipments from Chile to the United States: -9% and -11% for the two previous seasons. This year, as of December 13, Chile shipped a total of 26.127 tons, compared to 27.923 tons at the same time last season. About half of all volumes shipped this season to date go to North America, which is less than in previous years. This is because Chile is working to develop consumption in new markets such as Europe and Asia,

Despite lower overall volumes shipped to the US, organic volumes have seen continued growth, up 22% and 10% over the previous two seasons. "This season, through December 13, 4.188 tons of organic blueberries have been shipped from Chile to the United States, which represents 91% of total organic blueberry exports," adds Brux.

This season there will also be two regions in Chile that are exporting to the United States under the Systems Approach, and most of their volumes are organic. “At the beginning of October, the regulation of the Systems Approach was finally published in the Federal Register. This is a great first in the Ñuble and Biobio regions, which can now export to the US through monitoring and inspection. Based on the producers who have already registered to opt for the Systems Approach this season, a volume of 9.500 tons of Ñuble and another 7.100 tons of Biobio is estimated. In total, the volume will reach 16.600 tons, which represents 15% of the estimated total for this season. Most of the volume is estimated to be organic, which is great news for the US market, where demand for organic blueberries continues to grow, ”explains Brux.

Strong demand is anticipated in 2021

With the peak of the season coming soon, Brux anticipates strong demand for Chilean blueberries. “With millions of people working from home and going to school from home, consumers are looking for practical and healthy ideas for meals and snacks. Blueberries are the perfect combination - they are packed with antioxidants and so versatile, it will be one of our key messages in our marketing this season. They're great on their own and easy to add to a salad, yogurt, cereal, smoothies, just about anything, ”explains Brux.

According to retail sales reports, the berry category has performed really well in 2020. “For November, the berry category had an absolute dollar profit of $ 58 million, or 13,6% growth, compared with the same period last year, and ranked # 1 in terms of absolute profit in dollars, according to IRI data, ”shares Brux. “Retailers are eager to promote and want to communicate the health benefits. All of our retail promotions have been moved online due to the pandemic, and we will be running numerous digital programs such as web banners, coupons and electronic newsletters with chains across the country, starting in January, "he concludes.