Argentina's blueberry shipments to Europe rose significantly in week 47 but this was still not enough to offset a fall in U.S. intakes, according to an industry report.

Statistics released by the Argentinean Blueberry Committee show a 67% week-on-week rise to 323MT in Europe-bound shipments, but exports to the U.S. dropped 42% to 645MT.

During the same period last season shipments to the U.S. only dropped 27% to 975MT, however the industry had previously forecast total shipments to North America would be slightly lower in 2011-12.

Continental Europe recorded the sharpest intake spike during the week of 88%, while U.K. export arrivals rose by 59%.

Arrivals in the U.S., the U.K. and Asia are expected to fall during the coming weeks, while slight pick-ups are forecast for continental Europe and Canada.

Photo: Vital Talks

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