According to the latest Crop and Export Report published by the Asoex' Blueberry Committee, during week 51, the country exported 10,686 tons of blueberries, a higher volume than in the same week of the previous campaign. The total accumulated up to that date stood at 38,093 tons, i.e. 4% more than in the same week of the previous season. All markets have imported more fruit, and shipments to the Far East stand out with a 42% increase (2,300 tons).
Meanwhile, the stock of frozen blueberries in the US remains high and blueberry exports to that market have decreased by 4% when compared to the previous season (830 tons). As of November 30, the country had shipped about 119,000 tons, i.e. 31% more than in 2018. Frozen shipments from Chile have also increased. The country exported 2,643 tons of frozen products during November, i.e. 46% more than in 2018.
Crop Status
The season in Coquimbo, in the north of the country, has come to an end. In Valparaíso, it is in its final stage as producers are making the final harvest of Jewel, Emerald, and the Corona varieties, among others.
The Central Region of O'Higgins is in the final stage of its season, with decreasing volumes and ending the harvest of the O'Neal, Star, and Duke varieties, among other varieties of lesser relevance.
In Maule, the early varieties are in their final stage, with the latest collections from O'Neal and Duke. The harvest of the mid-season varieties is increasing. The Legacy variety is at its productive peak and the harvest of the Brigitta variety is starting. A similar situation is taking place in Ñuble while in the BioBio, the Legacy is increasing but still hasn't peaked. Moreover, producers reported low-intensity rains in this area, which didn't have a major impact on crops.
In Araucania, in the south of the country, the Duke variety is peaking and the harvest of the Legacy variety is just beginning. There were some rains in this region that could have affected some areas where they were stronger.