Chilean blueberry suppliers expect to export 66,000 tonnes of fruit this season (which got underway in mid-October and runs until March) as the industry continues to record year-on-year growth.
Of that total, 80 per cent will be shipped to the US, with the remaining 20 per cent distributed among other markets, according to Committee executive director Andrés Armstrong.
“Total export volume has grown substantially in each of the past five years, with a 20 per cent increase in tonnage last season alone,” Mr Armstrong told Fruitnet.com.
Indeed, exports have risen from 9,457 tonnes in 2003/04 to 49,793 tonnes in 2009/10, according to the Committee.
Next season (2010/11), exports are forecast to climb to 66,711 tonnes, with 82 per cent or 54,700 tonnes earmarked for the US market.
By 2014/15, the Committee expects Chilean blueberry exports to reach 110,000 tonnes given that only 39 per cent of planted area with blueberries in Chile is currently in full production.
Market-wise, Mr Armstrong said exports to the US rose by 16 per cent last season, while volume to Europe increased by 37 per cent.
The US currently accounts for about 82 per cent of Chilean blueberry exports, followed by Europe (with 14 per cent) and Asia (3 per cent).
Chile also hopes to supply blueberries to China, Korea and India during the course of this season.
Established in May 2009, the 27-member strong Committee currently represents 86 per cent of Chilean blueberry exports following the incorporation of eight more companies.
Chile has enjoyed optimal weather conditions this season, according to the committee, which puts the industry in a good position to offer top-quality blueberries.
Normal summer temperatures, coupled with a mild winter and no significant spring frosts, have yielded good fruit production.
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