Chilean blueberry production forecast is stable, but fresh exports may be down

With fresh production expectations similar to those of a year ago, Chilean blueberry production has started in the northern regions and will move south as the season progresses, says Andrés Armstrong, executive director of the Chilean Blueberry Committee. Peak production comes from the central and south-central regions, Armstrong said. Chilean blueberries typically start to hit peak volume in the last week of the year or the first week of the following year, Armstrong said. Peak timing should follow that schedule this year, he said. "We anticipate an early conclusion compared to previous seasons, by the third or fourth week of February," he said. PRODUCTION EXPECTATIONS Chilean blueberry growers expect to be at the same level of production as last season, at around 375 million pounds, Armstrong said. This season should feature a different variety mix and a lower volume of fresh exports, he said. "Fruit that doesn't have the right shelf life and varieties that aren't in demand ...