Argentina faced an extraordinarily harsh winter this year, during which temperatures reached their lowest point in the last 60 years, as locally reported.
Despite these weather-related challenges, the Argentine Blueberry Committee (ABC) expects a normal season, with production volumes likely to be similar to those of 2022-23, according to freshfruitportal.
Jorge Pazos, president of the Chamber of Blueberry Producers of Buenos Aires (CAPAB), explained that the sector expects a reduction in production of 5% to 10% for early varieties. "We anticipate that 14,000 t - 15,000 t will be produced this season, of which 60% will be shipped to target markets. The rest will be destined for industrial processing and the domestic market. Berries are already available on the domestic market," said Pazos.
He also emphasized that 90% of Argentina's blueberry cultivation areas are equipped with frost protection systems. However, Pazos acknowledged that during prolonged frost periods, damage is unavoidable. "On a national level, development continues to be normal. Producers inform us that production volumes will be similar to those of last season, which was good in terms of quantity, and all the berries were exported by air," Pazos concluded.
Source: Fruchthandel
