Chile’s blueberry sector pushes varietal renewal to target premium fruit demand

Chile’s blueberry sector is accelerating varietal renewal as it shifts its focus from volume growth to fruit quality, consistency, and stronger performance in distant export markets.

Exports

Fresh blueberry exports rose by 3% in the 2025/26 season, while newer genetics accounted for 24% of total shipments, according to Frutas de Chile.

The industry sees this transition as increasingly important as international buyers place more weight on firmness, texture, size, and arrival condition.

Demand

The change is also tied to a broader shift in consumer expectations. Blueberries are no longer purchased only for their health appeal; they are increasingly competing as a premium snacking fruit, which raises the bar for eating quality and shelf presence.

Frutas de Chile noted that this has pushed the sector to move faster on varietal replacement, particularly as competing origins such as Peru have helped lift global standards.

Trials

To support growers, Chile’s Blueberry Committee is validating around 11 new varieties through demonstration trials in different production areas. These evaluations cover factors ranging from soil preparation and disease sensitivity to postharvest behaviour.

Newer plants are described as more precocious, potentially helping growers recover investment sooner, although access to patented genetics remains a challenge for smaller and mid-sized producers.

Postharvest

Postharvest reliability is another central issue. With Chile shipping to distant markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, each variety requires tailored handling protocols, including adjustments in CO₂ management, fumigation, and dehydration control.

The industry’s stated priority is not simply to ship more berries, but to deliver fruit that reaches consumers with the firmness and quality now expected in premium markets.

source: frutasdechile.cl

photo: indap.gob.cl