Chilean blueberry exports volume will remain the same in 2021/22

The Chilean Blueberry Committee ASOEX projects to export 117,000 tons of blueberries in the 2021-2022 season, a similar volume to that exported in the previous season.

 

The Committee estimates a new production record of 178,000 tons, which would be explained by the appearance of new plantations and the renewal of varieties with higher productivity. In order to export fresh fruit, a more rigorous selection is required, therefore, the increase will be mainly channeled into the export of frozen fruit / IQF and the domestic market.

 

The projection reflects an importance of varietal replacement for the Chilean sector. The new varieties have already achieved 25% participation. These plantations are in their growing stage of yields and are consequently gaining higher productivity and a better quality of supply.

 

Exports of fresh organic blueberries are expected to reach 18% and frozen 27%.

 

 

 

Challenging campaign

 

However, there are challenges to face: the great drought, logistics problems due to low availability of containers, higher traffic terms, delays in loading and unloading reefer vessels in different ports around the world and manpower availability.

 

The drought will have a lesser impact on the sector than other problems, due to the highly efficient technical irrigation systems that the producers have.

 

The 2 biggest problems will be logistics and manpower availability.

 

The lack of labor would reduce the fresh harvest by 7 percent of potential production (already included in the estimate) and increase the frozen by 10 percent compared to last season for the same reason.

 

On the other hand, it is difficult to estimate the impact of logistics complications, and exporters are currently working on scheduling shipments with shipping companies to minimize this problem that affects the transport of all global trade.

 

However, there are challenges to face: the great drought, logistics problems due to low availability of containers, higher traffic terms, delays in loading and unloading reefer vessels in different ports around the world and manpower availability.