Chilean investment holding group Esparta is looking for dry zones in Chile and abroad to grow blueberries in order to take products to market outside of the traditional harvest peaks, Chilean paper La Tercera reported.

The group maintains growing areas in Villarica and Chillan, known for their humid environment. However the group is now focusing on growing in drier areas such as Ovalle and has even established 40 hectares of land for blueberries in Morocco.

The plantations in the dry zones allow them to reach the market before most growers have started harvesting, and with the  land near Villarica, can finish the harvest season after the traditional end of the season.

The plants are covered with plastic bags to better hold water and not dry out in the arid climates.

In Morocco, the company is aiming to reproduce its model used in Ovalle and is working with a local partner. The harvest in North Africa would give the Chilean group blueberries 11 months out of the year.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com