Reduced Exports of Argentina Blueberries Mark the 2022/23 Season

Published 2022년 11월 29일

The export of fresh blueberries from Argentina has declined since 2016. Based on local insights from Maria Schargrodsky, Tridge Senior Engagement Manager in Argentina, in 2022/23, with a peak harvest of fresh blueberries in October and November, exports more than halved, with just 3,870 MT exported compared to 8,394 MT in the previous season. Adverse weather conditions impacted production in CY 2022, while lacking investment in newer varieties of blueberries and the volatile currency in Argentina have hampered export. Consequently, growing competition from neighboring countries like Chile, Peru, and Colombia decreased Argentina’s export share in the primary markets. At the same time, Mexico gained ground in the US due to quick logistics and connection by land.

Seasonality of Fresh Blueberries in Argentina

Source: Tridge

Export of fresh blueberries from Argentina was significantly lower in season 2022/23, according to Maria Schargrodsky, Tridge Senior Engagement Manager in Argentina. Compared to the previous season, exports have plummeted to no less than half of the averages of recent years. The 2021/22 campaign was extended until mid-December and concluded with 8,394 MT exported due to favorable weather in the harvest period. This year, the campaign was over in mid-November, and only 3,870 MT have been shipped, mainly due to lower demand from the US.

Source: Tridge

The declining trend of export values for Argentinian blueberries started in 2016 when exports dropped by 72.81%. Destination countries that recorded the most significant drop in Argentinian export values were the US, with an 81.99% decline in the five years, Germany (72.64%), and Canada (85.18%). The US market was the most important in 2021, with a total market share of 41.45% and a total export value of USD 13.90M.

Adverse weather in 2022 in the form of frost and heavy rains impacted the production of fresh blueberries, especially in the Mesopotamian region and Tucuman province, delaying harvest by two weeks. With insufficient volumes, some exporters could only complete their pre-harvest commitments, leaving little stock for spot trading.

Other factors that contributed to lower export results were the lack of government measures to support regional economies and the volatility of exchange rates. On top of that, growing competition from Chile, Peru, Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, and Türkiye, cultivating newer blueberry varieties, resulted in Argentina losing market share in the US. Thanks to its geographical position and investment in new plantations of blueberries, Mexico quickly gained market share in the US-It takes only 40 hours by truck for Mexican blueberries to reach some US retailers.

Although the United States and Europe are the leading destinations for Argentine blueberry exports, efforts are currently being made to increase exports to new markets such as Israel and Brazil. Argentinian blueberries are already well-positioned in Israel and are popular among local consumers. In Brazil, the market share of Argentinian blueberries is increasing due to the proximity of the countries and promotional activities. Argentinian blueberry producers are introducing new strategies to enhance the flavor and quality of blueberries. Exporters aim to export higher volumes globally and to reach 17K MT in exports this season.