During their recent annual meeting, the Chilean Blueberry Committee (CBC) reported that production will continue to grow during the 2015/16 season. The CBC anticipates that global exports of fresh blueberries will be in the range of 218-241 million pounds, resulting in an increase of between 7 and 19 percent over the previous season’s exports of 203 million pounds.
North America is, by far, the largest export market for Chilean blueberries, with 67% of Chilean blueberry exports landing in this market during the 2014/15 season. Europe comprised 23% of Chile’s fresh blueberry exports and Asia just 10 percent.
Chile has continued to develop and diversify its global markets, but North America will remain a key strategic market for the Chilean blueberry industry, states Andrés Armstrong, Executive Director of the Chilean Blueberry Committee. “Blueberries are a complete package, with great taste, convenience and a strong nutrition story. North American demand for blueberries continues to rise, and we’re committed to supplying this huge market with both the quantity and quality of blueberries it expects.”
Karen Brux, Managing Director for the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, further commented that Chilean blueberry marketing plans are now being put in place for the U.S. and Canada. “As in previous years, we’ll be offering tailored trade marketing support to fit the needs of our importers, wholesalers and retailers. With funding from the CBC and ProChile (Chile’s export promotion agency), we develop the most appropriate tools to drive sales of Chilean blueberries, whether in-store promotions, partner demos, social media contests or other tactics.”
Chile’s blueberry acreage continues to expand, with 15,900 hectares currently planted. In 2014/15, Chile exported a total of 34.1 million boxes, with over 19 million boxes shipped to North America. In 2015/16, exports to this market are projected to surpass 20 million boxes and reach new historic highs. The first export peak is expected to be similar in timing to 2014, with projected exports of 9 – 13 million pounds for Week 49 or 50.
According to the CBC’s projections, the leading blueberry production region is Maule, which will export a projected 80 million pounds this season, a 35% increase over 2014/15.
Maule is followed by the Bio Bio region, with a total of 70 million pounds projected (8% increase) and the region of La Araucania, which is projected to export 24 million pounds of blueberries, an increase of 6% from the previous season.
In order to provide export data and commentary on key issues that could potentially impact the market, the CBC will continue to partner with IQonsulting on weekly market updates. The weekly report will be available as of October 21st on the CBC website, www.chileanblueberrycommittee.com.
The Chilean Blueberry Committee gathers blueberry growers and exporters who are committed to keeping the highest food safety and quality standards, while contributing to research and global promotion of Chilean blueberries.
Source: The Chilean Blueberry Committee
