Exports of Argentinean blueberries are expected to decrease this season due, in part, to 300ha being taken out of production in the last couple of years, according to sources in the sector.
The industry hopes the readjustment in offer will prompt an upturn in market demand and prices following a difficult campaign last season, local suppliers explained.
Prices fell abruptly during weeks 43-45 of the 2011/12 deal, particularly in the US, which coupled with Argentina’s high inflation and rising costs, has made the business difficult to sustain.
“By having less volume we think prices will not fall so abruptly and therefore remain acceptable for longer,” explains Federico Ivani, manager of El Encuentro Berries. “The markets have to be more receptive if there is no over saturation of fruit.”
Major UK importer Total Worldfresh expects sendings to be in the region of 15,000 tonnes, compared with the 15,800 tonnes of blueberries Argentina exported to its global markets in 2011/12.
Market-wise, leading Argentinean exporter Tecnovital predicts total exports to the US will remain stable or decrease, while volume to Europe (excluding the UK) and Asia will increase.
The full report will be published in the July/August issue of Asiafruit Magazine and the September issue of Eurofruit Magazine.
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