The cold wet spell that has enveloped much of Chile in recent weeks has prompted the Chilean Blueberry Committee (CBC) to revise its forecast for the 2015/16 season downwards.
Exports are now expected to be between 96,000 tonnes and 106,000 tonnes, some 3,000 tonnes lower than originally forecast. This is principally due to the lower temperatures affecting pollination, resulting in fewer berries. The effects are more pronounced in the early producing regions.
According to the first crop report of the new season published by the Committee in conjunction with iQonsulting, shipments to week 42 stood at 227 tonnes, 22 per cent less than at the same point last season, highlighting the delay in this season’s harvest. The CBC said the delay was confined to early varieties and would not affect the main season crop.
It expects shipments to be back on track by the first week of January and to increase thereafter until the end of February.
Meteorologists say the recent cold snap is the result of El Niño Southern Oscillation and is the first time the weather phenomenon has affected Chile in 18 years. Since September, rainfall has been more frequent and temperatures lower than average, slowing fruit ripening. Harvesting in northern production zones and early central zones is currently running around 2-3 weeks late.
“Nevertheless, the situation will correct itself as the season progresses and by the beginning of January production will be back to normal volumes and could even be slightly higher than last season,” the CBC said.
Forecasters say El Niño will remain active until December, its effect being felt from Regions IV to VII.
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