Andrés Armstrong is the executive director of the ChileanBlueberry Committee, the association that brings together Chile's blueberries production and export companies. The 2020/21 season has just ended, and this exclusive interview is an opportunity to take stock and explore the reasons for the success of a sector that is characterised by effective coordination and shared planning.
How was the 2021 season for the Chilean blueberries industry?
Chilean exports of fresh blueberries increased by 8% this season, mainly due to a 34% increase in organic shipments. Good weather conditions and an important varietal renewal process provided good quality fruit, but on the other hand, restrictions due to Covid generated labour shortages for harvests and delays in the supply chain that affected the status of the fruit at some points.
Which markets did best in the 2020/21 season and why?
Europe continued the previous year's growth trend with a 13% increase. The UK, the main market in Europe for Chilean blueberries , grew by 7%, while continental Europe had a 15% higher volume. Shipments of organically certified product, which account for 10% of our exports to Europe, also grew by 15%. There are countries in Europe that are fairly new to the consumption of blueberries that are reacting positively year after year, includingItaly.
Shipments to the US market grew by 14% after two consecutive seasons in which volumes were down. The main reason for this growth stems from the fact that a systemic approach has been put in place in two important production regions to avoid fumigation to the US market, allowing organic production from these regions to reach the US.
In Asia, the main growth came from exports to South Korea (+52%) and Taiwan (35%). On the other hand, volume in China decreased by 46%, mainly due to the Covid situation.
What will be the future role of the European market for the Chilean industry at blueberry?
Europe has been driving growth in Chilean exports of fresh blueberries for some years now. The Chilean blueberry Committee has put in place significant promotional efforts in several markets to support demand. Europe is the second largest market for Chilean blueberries , with steady growth accounting for 34% of export volume. It plays an important and growing role in the performance of the Chilean blueberries industry.
How is the Italian market doing for Chilean exporters?
Continental Europe is the fastest growing market for Chilean blueberries exports, including Italy. The increase in domestic Italian production against Chilean supply is helping to boost demand all year round.
Will Morocco be a competitor in the EU and Asia after the new areas are 100% in production?
Morocco is already competing with the latter part of the Chilean season. While this overlap changes somewhat from season to season with more or less impact, we are working to increase demand. The same thing happens with the offer from South Africa at the beginning of the season.
How did your five pillars of the Quality System perform against your plans?
Working directly with growers has been great for understanding the new global competitive landscape and seizing opportunities. Varietal renewal is taking place, increasing the supply of new and better varieties and leaving behind most of those that work well in Chile. Unfortunately, the restrictions especially on labour availability that have been imposed due to the Covid situation have not helped with harvesting and the logistics process has not helped. Overall, there was a very positive response.
With regard to variety renewal in particular, which varieties are planted the most?
Varieties with interesting volumes that are showing growth are Blue Ribbon, Top Shelf, Suzie Blue, Cargo, Rocio, Stella Blue. Many others are constantly being introduced every year.
How much does the variety influence the price for the grower?
A lot, because this directly affects the markets they can go to, and normally the markets with better prices need varieties with good shelf life, flavour and texture.
How are the Chilean organic blueberries doing?
Organic is still growing, 34% this season. The main growth comes from exports from the above systems approach, but also northern regions with early season production increasing. Overall, 18% of Chile's fresh blueberries were organic last season.
The main market for organic products is the United States with 78% of organic shipments, followed by Europe with 20% and Canada with 2%. Organic products destined for the United States grew by 43% and Europe by 15%. 26% of shipments to the United States were organic and 10% to Europe.
A line of blueberry with zero residue has just been launched in Italy: is this reference also offered by Chilean producers?
Not that I have heard. I don't know if there are any companies working on this, beyond organic certification and fair trade.
(Cover photo: Jagodnik)
