PG WEB EXTRA: Chilean Blueberry Exports Up, Despite Frosts

The Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) was awaiting feedback at press time from many of Chile’s fruit plantations, which reported damaged crops from an unusual succession of September frosts that occurred in the country.

Despite the frosty weather, Chilean blueberries are expecting a warm reception in the United States this winter. The Chilean Blueberry Committee and ASOEX anticipate exports of fresh blueberries from Chile to set another record this year, increasing by 7 percent to 93,000 tons worldwide. Chile is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest source of fresh blueberries, and the United States and Canada are its biggest export markets.

ASOEX attributes the continued growth in U.S. imports to increasing demand among American consumers for fresh blueberries, combined with greater production by Chilean growers.

The Chilean Blueberry Committee, based, like ASOEX, in Chile’s capital city of Santiago, is currently planning a promotional campaign in major U.S. and Canadian markets, with in-store merchandising programs, foodservice education, consumer public relations and registered dietitian outreach to tell the story of Chilean blueberries.