As of 26 December, the volume of Chilean blueberries exported fresh or frozen had decreased by 24.1% compared to the previous date (2020), according to data from the latest weekly report published by the Chilean Blueberry Committee. The longer maritime transit time meant that many growers were more rigorous in selecting fruit, exporting only that which had the conditions to remain in good condition during the long journey.
Shortages of port workers for health reasons and increased demand for products during quarantines have caused bottlenecks in ports all over the world. Logistical problems have affected the availability of containers, increasing their price. Difficulties and costs of shipping by sea increased the demand for air cargo, driving up transport rates.
These reasons, together with the danger of loss of quality of fresh fruit due to long waiting times, have led to theexpansion of the market for frozen blueberries in Chile. As of 21 November last year, exports of the berry to this state had increased by 9% compared to the same period in 2020. The figure is expected to increase this year following the signing of new international treaties that facilitate exports to China.
The volume of Chilean blueberries exported is expected to peak during the last week of December 2021 and the first two weeks of January 2022, led by production in the Central-South zone. During Christmas week, the North-Central zone accounted for 59% of the volume of exported berries, followed by the South-Central zone (44%) and the South (5%).
In the same period, more than 70% of the exported fruit was of the Blue Ribbon and Duke varieties, the main destinations being the European market (49.6%), the USA (37.1%) and Asia (37.1%). (37.1%) and Asia (10.1%).
Source: Blueberries Consulting
Blueberries Consulting is part of the global network of Italian Berry
