The Chilean Blueberry Committee has announced exports in week 8 (Feb. 21-27) were 46.7% higher than expected, while around 99% of export targets were already met with five weeks of the season still remaining.

Week-by-week exports have continued to decline since Feb.13, with final exports expected to finish in week 12 (Mar. 28 to Apr. 3). The committee's report is based on analysis by market researcher iQonsulting.

The report said the 2,938 metric tons (MT) recorded in week 8 confirmed a higher production trend first noticed in week 4 (Jan. 24-30), compared to the current season's estimates in the south-central and southern zones.

"Total accumulated volume of 63,109 (metric) tons up to Week 8 represents 98.8% out of the total season forecast. Therefore, being at least five weeks away from the end of exports period, it can be concluded that the total export volume forecast for this season will be reached during current week (9)," the report said.

"High volumes seen to date do not mean that frosts events, rainfall and hail precipitations registered during October did not affect fruit growth, since they resulted in a final forecast adjustment, being 4.3% down from the initial 66,711 (metric) tons estimate."

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