According to the new 2020/21 Season Blueberry Yearbook prepared by the iQonsulting team, the exportable supply of blueberries from the southern hemisphere increased by 20%, exceeding 311,000 tons shipped.
According to the report, Peru continues to be the most dynamic country in the southern hemisphere and it is largely responsible for the increase observed this season. Chile showed a more mature offer, with growth associated with market conditions (entry into force of the Systems Approach for the Ñuble and Biobio regions), varietal replacement, and -to a lesser extent- an increase in acreage. Both countries continue to concentrate the bulk of the supply, accounting for 90% of shipments.
Meanwhile, South Africa has had a strong increase in supply, especially in recent seasons. It is a rather new supplier to the industry and its acreage is growing rapidly.
Organic Blueberries
The yearbook highlights the growth in the supply of organic blueberries. Chile, Peru, Argentina, and Mexico exported a record 46,400 tons in the 2020/21 season, i.e. 37% more than in the previous season (12,000 tons more). Chile contributed with the highest volumes and accounted for 45% of the organic offer of the selected countries, followed by Mexico with 32%, and Peru with a 15% share. All suppliers stand out for the growth in shipments they had in this category.
Frozen blueberries
Chile, Peru, Argentina, and Mexico also exported a record of nearly 52,000 tons of frozen blueberries in 2020. Chile accounted for nearly 70% of all the frozen blueberries exported by these countries and showed some stability. Peru doubled its shipments in 2020 and Mexico tripled them. Frozen blueberry exports increased by 17% in 2020.
A global increase in demand
According to the yearbook, the market windows are becoming less noticeable. The increase in supply from the southern hemisphere, which is concentrated at the extremes of the season, is increasingly overlapping the supply from the northern hemisphere, which has also been growing in North America, Europe, and China.
This has favored blueberry consumption at a global level, as the offer is available all year round, which has benefited all the actors in the chain. According to the report, the increase in supply this season did not have a general impact on prices.
Source: simfruit.cl