Argentine blueberry exports to Europe grew 18% year-over-year in the 2011-12 season while shipments to the U.S. decreased some 3%, according to the Argentine Blueberry Committee's season closing statement.

Shipments totaled 15,803 metric tons (MT), of which 4,788(MT) were destined for Europe compared with 4,409 for the last season. In Europe, the U.K. received  2,872MT compared to 2,536MT in 2010/11.

Committee general manager Inés Peláez, said she was pleased with the results, despite a price drop in week 42 due to high labor and exchange rate costs in Argentina.

"We are very satisfied that exports of Argentine blueberries to Europe grew this year. The shipments to the U.S. decreased slightly compared to last season, but the volumes to Europe grew which is great."

The U.S. market received 9,623MT this season, compared to 9,920MT in the 2010-11 season. The U.S. had a 61% market share while last year it was 65%. Continental Europe grew from 10% to 12% and the U.K. grew from 17% to 18%.

Shipments to Canada increased from 972MT to 1,002MT during the season while Asia and other markets inched forward from 385 to 388 MT.

"All of our markets are important for us and as a committee, we feel that it is imperative to deliver a good service and provide precise, trustworthy information to the industry and consumers," Peláez said.

During the last three years, Argentina has formed part of the 'Blueberries from the South' campaign with Chile and Uruguay, created to increase consumption in European countries such as England and Germany.

In 2011 the committee launched an independent campaign in the U.K., France, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands.

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