Uruguay's blueberry production is expected to fall by 18.5% to 2,200 metric tons (MT) this season due to the departure of many growers in the country's south and the removal of some varieties.

Union of Fruit and Vegetable Growers and Exporters (UPEFRUY) president Horacio Ozer, told www.freshfruitportal.com many growers were pulling out O'Neal blueberries and similar varieties.

"There are also some growers replacing varieties and others expanding areas in the country's north," he said.

He said the industry was seeing better berry sizes this year.

"We don't expect quality problems unless there is excessive rain during harvest - the weather has been normal and normal temperatures are expected for the period."

Uruguay's blueberry crop is one week earlier than last year like Argentina, with the first harvest set to start in the last week of this month.

Ozer said this would affect exports, which will also start a week earlier compared to 2011.

"Europe will surely continue to be the main market for Uruguay, there won't be any changes to that," he added.

www.freshfruitportal.com