The Argentinean Blueberry Committee has announced an export forecast of 17,303 metric tons (MT) for the 2011-12 season, representing a 15.9% rise on last year's volumes.

The first shipments will start in September from the province of Tucumán, followed by Concordia blueberries in October and the last exports expected from the Buenos Aires province in November.

The committee's pre-harvest report has predicted a season peak of 8,145MT between weeks 44 and 46.

The first exports will be sent in week 37 with 9MT, divided between the U.S. (4.5MT) and the U.K. (5MT), while the European continent will receive its first shipment of 5MT in week 38.

The first Argentine blueberry arrivals in Canada are expected in week 39 with a volume of 15MT.

The United States is expected to be the largest export destination for the season with 11,110MT, followed by the U.K. (2,746MT), continental Europe (1,993MT) and Canada (1,023MT).

The majority of shipments will be distributed by air freight with volumes of around 13,567MT, while 3,733MT will be sent by sea.

Argentina's blueberry shipments rose 42% from 10,473MT in 2009-10 to 14,923MT in 2010-11.

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Photo: APRATUC

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