2021-2022 Chilean Blueberry season not achieving initial predictions

According to the Chilean Committee of Blueberry Producers, 2021-2022 season growth predictions are not being accomplished so far. Since the beginning of the season, only 43,641 tons of fresh Chilean blueberries have been exported, which is a 7% decrease from the volume exported in the same period last season. Additionally, until December 26, 2021, the exported volume of frozen blueberries had decreased by 24.1% from the previous season. So far, the leading markets this season are Europe with a 42% export share, followed by the United States with a 39% market share, and Asia with a 16% market share.

Source: East Fruit

Challenges Chilean blueberries have been facing so far this season

So far, many factors have influenced the lower blueberry exports this season. An unfavorable climate has affected both production and exports. The weather has affected shipping schedules and has shifted the export peak from the second week of January to early February.

COVID-19 has also brought on lower production and exports due to its effect on the labor force. The decreased labor availability is predicted to reduce the harvest of fresh blueberries by 7% and will increase the production of frozen blueberries by 10%. The decreased supply of fresh blueberries will affect export volumes due to limited availability.

In this past year, logistics have been a big issue for all agricultural exports. Globally, there has been an increase in freight costs due to increased fuel prices and decreased container availability. The decreased container availability creates port congestion, delayed shipping schedules, and canceled shipments. Port delays and logistics issues have triggered a more rigorous fruit selection to ensure fresh blueberries that are being exported have a longer shelf life and higher quality.

Challenges are causing a change in the production and export trends of Chilean blueberries. 25% of the total blueberry production is being destined to harvest new varieties that will produce a higher yield and better quality. Organic blueberry exports are also increasing, taking over 18% of fresh organic blueberry exports and 27% of frozen blueberry exports. Also, logistics issues have triggered a switch from fresh blueberry exports to frozen blueberry exports and it is predicted that by the end of this season there will be a 10% increase in frozen blueberry exports, but this switch does not compensate for the loss of export volume.

There has been a slow start on this 2021-2022 Chilean blueberry season, but it is expected that the temperature will increase in the coming days benefiting the production. Exports are also expected to recover due to new international trade treaties with China.

Sources

Blueberry Consulting. Chilean blueberry exports decrease 7% so far in the 2021/2022 season.

East Fruit. Chile reduces blueberry exports this season due to logistical problems.

Fresh Fruit Portal. Agronometrics in Charts: Logistical constraints continue to afflict Chilean blueberry exports.

Fresh Plaza. Chile expects to export 117,000 tons of fresh blueberries.

Fresh Plaza. Logistical problems impact the export of Chilean blueberries.

Tridge. Fresh Blueberry.

Tridge. Intelligence & Data.