SONOMA, Calif. (Jan. 3, 2011) – Sizeable volumes of high-quality Chilean blueberries continue to arrive at all points of entry into the U.S., leading industry experts to predict that this year’s crop will substantially surpass 2009-2010 shipments.
According to current numbers, Chilean blueberry exports are set to exceed last year’s numbers – a total of 49,793 tons – by more than 22%. The Chilean Blueberry Committee reports that actual blueberry shipments to date are running nearly 4% ahead of estimates, with one-third of the total crop, or 20,862 metric tons, now shipped.
The U.S. is expected to receive about 82% of the current export crop. The fresh blueberries come at a perfect time for U.S. consumers, bringing a burst of summer freshness in the middle of the winter season. In addition to American markets, the CBC is also targeting Europe and Asia this season.
Blueberry harvest has ended in the northern areas and is nearly complete in Chile’s central zone. The south-central regions are shipping the majority of the current berries, and harvest is just beginning in the southern zone.
The Chilean Blueberry Committee was formed in May 2009 by the leading Chilean blueberry exporting companies within the Chilean Fresh Fruit 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 works with the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association to boost Chilean fresh blueberry sales around the globe.
Source: Chilean Blueberry Committee
