New blueberry varieties set to grow 39 per cent, driving a third consecutive year of growth for Chilean exports
Chilean blueberry exports will grow 2 per cent to 95,107 tonnes in 2026/27 according to the latest forecast from the Frutas de Chile Blueberry Committee.
This marks the third consecutive year of growth, once again driven by newer varieties, which are projected to reach 30,305 tonnes – a 39 per cent increase over last season – and represent 32 per cent of fresh exports. In contrast, exports of traditional varieties are expected to decline by 9 per cent to 64,803 tonns.
“Chile’s growth today is driven by new genetics. Two seasons ago, one in every five cartons consisted of replacement varieties; this season, that figure is expected to be one in three,” said the committee’s executive director, Andrés Armstrong.
“This means fruit that is firmer, tastier, and fresher, arriving at its destination in better condition. For the consumer, firm, flavourful fruit offers a better experience than fruit that is large but soft.”
Armstrong noted that the final volume of traditional varieties shipped would depend on market conditions. “Reduced supply from Peru will open up opportunities for fresh Chilean fruit, and the frozen sector is very active, offering a good alternative for a large portion of traditional variety production,” he said.
“However, we believe the opportunities arising this season should not lead us to export fruit that falls short of standards. On the contrary, they represent an opportunity to strengthen Chile’s reputation for quality and consistency. That is why the committee continues to work with our partners to boost fruit quality, which will be the deciding factor in capturing market opportunities.”
The estimate also factors in the impact of El Niño, which brought rainfall to the regions between O’Higgins and La Araucanía in early October and isolated hailstorms to the Andean foothills of Maule, Ñuble, and Biobío in late September. The committee said the effects had been limited so far, and it would continue to monitor orchard conditions in order to present an updated forecast in November.
“Speed will be key to our processes this season. Every hour saved between harvest, packing, and transport will translate into better fruit condition upon arrival at the destination,” Armstrong noted.
Peak export volumes are expected between weeks 49 and 2 – spanning late November to mid-January – with shipments exceeding 8,000 tonnes per week.
This year, Chilean fruit faces a 12.5 per cent surcharge in the US. Although shipments to that market declined last season due to tariffs, organic blueberry exports grew by 12 per cent, eventually accounting for nearly 39 per cent of total exports to that destination.
Europe, meanwhile, solidified its position as the primary market, receiving half of all shipments and recording a 20 per cent increase on the previous year. “These results show that Chile competes not on volume, but on quality and consistency. New varieties, the growth of the organic sector, and a diversified market network give us the tools to face a more demanding season,” Armstrong stated.
