Uruguayan blueberry production challenges bad weather and projects growth of 65%
The bad weather has been one of the obstacles that the blueberry industry has had to overcome in Uruguay during the last two years. The scenario has been so unfortunate that in some orchards the crop has been completely lost.
But despite the devastating outlook, the Union of Producers and Exporters of Fruit and Vegetable Exporters of Uruguay (Upefruy) presented this week encouraging figures that encourage berries producers in the region.
Specifically, the agency said in a statement that the production of blueberries in the Latin American country could increase up to 65% during the next season of production in the nation.
Marta Betancur, spokeswoman for Upefruy, said that for this year they intend to make shipments for the order of two thousand tons of blueberries. That is, 790 tons more, compared to the 1.210 that managed to dispatch during 2017.
“This year we are aware of what will happen to the fruit according to the weather. The growth estimate is very conservative, because we are clear that certain climatic factors have affected us, ”said Betancur, quoted by Portalfruticola.com
He stressed that in Uruguay the blueberry export season always starts during the month of August with a small volume, but that in September the largest shipments are given. He also mentioned that in October and November shipments are made, but in smaller quantities.
Expectations
Uruguayan blueberries have a moderate scope in terms of exports. Marta Betancur said that in 2017, 45% of its production went to the US market and 35% to the European market.
In relation to 2018 shipments, Uruguay wants to continue betting on the sale of its blueberries to the United States (40%), increase sales to Europe (45%) and incorporate the United Kingdom as a new market (15%)
Betancur recalled that the export of Uruguayan blueberries is done by air, and that during the new season they also want to explore markets such as Asia, starting with Hong Kong and Malaysia.
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