The Chilean blueberry season may be just about over, but the country's embassy in Beijing recently celebrated an official ceremony for Chinese market entry.

The ceremony, which included members from the Chilean Blueberry Committee, the Fruit Exporters Association of Chile (ASOEX), Chinese customs authorities and major importers and distributors, also marked the launch of promotion campaigns at supermarket BHG.

Chilean Ambassador to Beijing Louis Schmidt said governments, farmers and the sector and general could celebrate the fact Chinese consumers were now able to enjoy blueberries that came from so far away.

"Chile is the second-largest fresh fruit supplier to China and is only surpassed by Thailand, which invites us to continue, because a fresh product like the blueberry is a source of vitamins and minerals very necessary in the dynamics of the world today," he said.

ASOEX general manager Miguel Canala-Echeverría added blueberries allowed the country to diversify its offering after the successful entry of apples, table grapes, kiwifruit, plums and cherries.

Chinese customs service vice minister Wei Chuanzhong highlighted Chile was the first country in South America to establish diplomatic relations with the Asian country, having also signed a bilateral agreement for China's accession to the World Trade Organization.

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