Cool weather in Argentina has caused blueberry shipments to the United States to dip. Production is expected to return to normal in the coming weeks, and prices should adjust accordingly.
“Presently, blueberry volumes from Argentina are very light,” said Bob Von Rohr of Sunny Valley International. “They had some weather that wasn't favorable, but that happens in every growing area. The weather just got cooler. Production is slow right now, but it will turn around.” On October 8, prices for a flat of medium and large blueberries from Argentina were between $32.00 and $34.00 at the Los Angeles port of entry. At the Miami port of entry, prices were between $32.00 and $36.00 for a flat of medium and large berries.
“Prices are very good, but that can change at a moment's notice,” said Von Rohr. “Volumes should increase in the next seven to 10 days and pricing will creep downward as there are more supplies.” Imports from Argentina will continue to arrive through the end of the year, and Von Rohr said that this early bump in the season has kept overall volumes down for the import season.
“Because of the weather, we're getting off to a slow start with volumes below what we anticipated,” said Von Rohr. “But it's only a matter of time before things turn around. Once the weather turns, things will come on quicker.”
