San Carlos, CA — During their recent annual meeting, the Chilean Blueberry Committee reported that production will continue to grow during the 2015-16 season, and global exports of fresh blueberries will be in the range of 218 million to 241 million pounds, resulting in an increase of between 7 and 19 percent over the previous season’s exports of 203 million pounds.
North America is by far the largest export market for Chilean blueberries, with 67 percent of Chilean blueberry exports landing in this market during the 2014-15 season.
“North American demand for blueberries continues to rise, and we’re committed to supplying this market with both the quantity and quality of blueberries it expects,” notes
Karen Brux, managing director for the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association.
In 2014-15, Chile exported a total of 34.1 million boxes, with over 19 million boxes shipped to North America. In 2015-16, exports to this market are projected to surpass 20 million boxes and reach new historic highs.
The first export peak is expected to be similar in timing to 2014, with projected exports of 9 million to 13 million pounds for Week 49 or 50. The weekly report will be available as of October 21st at chileanblueberrycommittee.com. The Chilean crop runs until April, just ahead of the North American blueberry harvest.
The Chilean Blueberry Committee invites operators to keep their menus fresh throughout the year with counter seasonal fruit from Chile. North Carolina State University’s Blueberry Fresh Toast Sandwich recipe creates appetite appeal on winter breakfast menus.
About Chilean Fresh Fruit Association
The Chilean Fresh Fruit Association directs all marketing and promotional activities for fresh Chilean fruit in the U.S. and Canada. Chile is the southern hemisphere’s leading grower and exporter of fresh fruits and a primary source of counter seasonal fruit to the northern hemisphere. With its unique geography and Mediterranean climate, fruit production is deeply ingrained in Chilean culture. Chile’s fresh fruit growers, packers and exporters are committed to providing North Americans with a variety of fresh, wholesome, nutritious, and delicious fruit.
Source: Chilean Fresh Fruit Association