Chile's Blueberry Crop Delayed

Below is a letter written by the Chilean Blueberry Committee to importers.

Colder season delays blueberry harvest in Chile by 2 to 3 weeks.

Due to a lower number of heat units this year in the main growing areas of Chile, far below a normal year, we are expecting a 2 to 3 week delay on the Chilean blueberry harvest and a lower overall season production forecast.

Promotional supply is now expected to arrive in the US Market not until week 1. Until then, we are not expecting to have enough fruit to carry the 1 pint clamshell as the standard packaging for this winter season.

The impact of the weather on the Chilean crop is still under detailed evaluation by growers, but one thing that is sure at this point is the fact that there will be no relevant volumes available in the market in week 51, as previously announced by the industry. Crop reports will be updated as the season moves along.

The projected increase on blueberry shipments to the US in 2010 dropped to 25% over last season, compared to the previously expected 35% growth. In terms of the number of boxes available in the market, there should be no increase at all, because of the bigger unit sizes preferred by the US consumers.

In terms of quality, one of the main priorities of the Chilean Blueberry Committee, early varieties being harvested so far have shown consistent, colorful and good size fruit, which is expected to continue during the whole season.

In spite of the reduced harvest, the Chilean Blueberry Committee has committed to fielding the full promotion support program for North America announced prior to the season.