The Chilean blueberry season has reached 88% of its export expectations, with weekly volumes expected to decrease until its close in April.

According to a report by the Chilean Blueberry Committee, using data from market researcher iQonsulting, export figures in week 6 (Feb.7 to 13) were 23.8% higher than forecast at 4,285 metric tons (MT).

Blueberry exports were 7.6% higher than in the previous week, but estimates show an expected downward weekly trend for the rest of the season, with 3,006MT expected for the week to Feb. 20 and 2,123MT for the week to Feb. 27.

Cumulative exports for the Chilean blueberry industry are now 56,399MT for the 2010-11 season.

The report said harvests have progressed 80% in the VII (Maule) region with production expected to finish in two weeks, while the southern zone of the country has registered 90% of its Brigitta variety blueberries and 50% of the Elliot variety.

Source: Chilean Blueberry Committee/ edited by www.freshfruitportal.com