MONTREAL, Quebec – In an announcement at the annual Canadian Produce Marketing Association convention held April 13-15 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, importers of Chilean blueberries reported that they have wrapped up an exceptional season, with exports of the sweet, nutritious berry coming in at unprecedented levels.
“In Canada alone, Chilean blueberry imports are expected to top a 48% increase in volume over last season,” stated a pleased Andres Armstrong, executive director of the Chilean Blueberry Committee.
“Our total 2010-11 export volume was additionally impressive with over 69,000 tons shipped worldwide. That’s 39% over last year’s total,” Armstrong further reported. “U.S. volume for 2010-11 will reach 58,100 tons, which is a 43% growth over last year’s 40,700 tons. The largest U.S. gain was in west coast shipments where we expect to see exceed a 64% increase by season’s end.”
“The continuing recognition and promotion of blueberries’ extraordinary health benefits have made their year-round availability a major factor in the burgeoning consumer demand,” added Tom Tjerandsen, North American director of sales and marketing for the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association and the Blueberry Committee. “Chile fills the seasonal gap.”
“We’ve also seen remarkable in-store volume increases when and where retailers offer a variety of pack sizes to maximize their blueberry sales. In Canada and in every region of the U.S., our research shows that retailers who consistently marketed both a small and large size package of blueberries along with other berries, and who aggressively promoted blueberries from January through April, sold more than double the amount of blueberries compared to other retailers,” Tjerandsen added.
The Chilean Blueberry Committee was formed in May 2009 by the leading Chilean blueberry exporting companies within the Chilean Exporters Association (ASOEX). Currently the CBC is comprised of 28 exporter organizations, representing more than 87% of last season’s total fresh blueberry exports. The CBC (www.chileanblueberrycommittee.com), works with the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association and ASOEX (www.chileanfreshfruit.com) to boost Chilean fresh blueberry sales around the globe.
Source: Chilean Bluberry Committee
