Chilean fruit company David del Curto has expanded its offering with blueberries shipped to Italy this month, starting with a two-pallet load and expectations the category will grow in the future.

David del Curto commercial manager Rodrigo Durán told www.freshfruitportal.com the move was a natural step for the company as it had its own fields and many of its growers of apples and cherries also have blueberries.

The group expects to ship one million kilograms (2.2 million pounds) of the fruit this season, of which 30% is from its own production and the rest is from third parties. The program is set to go from mid-November to mid-March.

"We have the clients, the interest and good demand abroad. We see there is space to grow in the future," Durán said.

He added destination markets would be diverse with Europe, particularly in the U.K. and Scandanavia, as well as the U.S. and Asia.

Durán highlighted the blueberry industry had great potential in volume and cost efficiency, while his business had the necessary facilities to service growers through its plant in Retiro in the VII (Maule) region.

The new category means this plant can be better utilized during a period when it is normally not used.

www.freshfruitportal.com