Chilean blueberries increase to U.S. market

Chilean blueberries increase to U.S. market    Chilean blueberry producers have ramped up production and increased acreage in hopes of raising volumes and profits not only this season, but also for years to come.
   According to the Chilean Blueberry Committee (CBC), the South American country will export about 66,700 tons of blueberries, with 80 percent expected to go to the United States this season.
   'Chile has enjoyed optimal weather conditions, which puts the country in a good position to offer top-quality blueberries for 2010-2011,' the committee said. 'Normal summer temperatures, coupled with a mild winter and no significant spring freezes, have yielded good fruit production in all of Chile's growing regions.'
   Blueberry exports have increased substantially in the past five years, and the CBC expects this growth to continue during the next five years as well. Preliminary estimates show the committee hopes to see exports nearly double to 110,000 tons by the 2014-2015 season. The CBC reports that 40 percent of the nearly 31,000 acres of blueberries are still increasing in production, while another 30 percent of fields are in full production.
   Early-season Chilean blueberries are arriving in the United States, with peak arrival expected between mid-December and late February. Because Chile's season falls during the United States' winter months, producers expect strong demand for the fruit.
   The CBC was formed in May 2009 by the biggest Chilean blueberry exporting companies within the Chilean Fresh Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX). The CBC comprises 27 exporter organizations, representing more than 86 percent of last season's total fresh blueberry exports. The CBC works with the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association to boost Chilean fresh blueberry sales worldwide.