Blueberries

A new marketing committee has been formed in Chile by a group of exporters, with the aim of increasing sales of the country's blueberries in the North American market.

The Chilean Blueberry Committee, which is based in Santiago, will work in conjunction with the US-based Chilean Fresh Fruit Association to boost sales of the fruit.

According to The Packer, a budget of US$250,000 has been allocated to the new Committee this season, which lasts between November and April.

Aims of the group include the development of the North American market, increasing support in existing markets, enforcing quality standards and collaborating with other trade associations on marketing and promotion.

Felipe Juillerat, sales manager at Vital Berry Marketing in Chile, has been appointed as president of the Committee.

'Our goal is to help continue the momentum gained last winter when Chilean blueberries experienced a sales growth of 55 per cent over the previous year in North America,' Mr Juillerat said in a news release.