According to the latest crop export report issued by the Chilean Asoex Blueberry Committee, in week 51, the country exported a total of 10,686 tons of blueberries, which is higher than the same period in the previous season. As of that date, the cumulative total output was 38,093 tons, an increase of 4% over the same period last season. All markets imported more fruits, and exports to the Far East increased by 42% (2,300 tons), which was an outstanding performance.

At the same time, compared with the previous season, the stock of frozen blueberries in the United States is still high (830 tons), and Chile’s blueberry exports to this market have decreased by 4%. As of November 30, the country has shipped about 119,000 tons of blueberries, which is 31% more than in 2018. Frozen shipments from Chile have also increased. The country exported 2,643 tons of frozen products in November, an increase of 46% over 2018.

Crop condition

The blueberry season in the Coquimbo region in the north of the country has ended. In Valparaiso, producers are in the final stages of harvesting varieties such as Jewel, Emerald and Corona.

The central O'Higgins region is in the final stage of its season, the number is decreasing, the harvest of O'Neal, Star and Duke varieties has ended, and other less relevant varieties have also ended.

In Moller, early varieties such as O'Neal and Duke are in the final stage of harvest, and the harvest of mid-term varieties is increasing. The Legacy variety is at the peak of production, and the harvest of the Brigitta variety has begun. The situation in the Ñuble region is similar, while the production of Legacy in the BioBio region is increasing, but has not yet reached its peak. In addition, producers report low rainfall intensity in the area and no significant impact on crops.

In Araucania in the south of the country, the Duke variety is reaching its peak harvest, and the Legacy variety has just begun. There is some rainfall in this area, and when the rainfall intensity is too strong, it may affect some areas.