Chile’s blueberry harvest has produced around 90% more fruit than originally expected and is now officially in its peak, according to a statement from the Chilean Blueberry Committee.

The committee published new estimates to member exporters on November 30^, and said that the fruit shipped during week 49 and 50 represent the peak volumes for the 2010-11 season.

In light of the high volumes and subsequent lull in consumer activity after Christmas, the committee has made several recommendations to growers and exporters to avoid a drastic price drop in receiving markets.

For starters high-quality fruit is a must because a large portion of exports could remain in storage for a longer than expected.  Packaging should also be focused on pint formats to reduce the number of clamshells in the market.

Finally growers should set aside a larger portion of their harvest to be frozen in order to keep shipments of the fresh product at optimal levels.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com