The Chilean blueberry harvest is now focused on the central zone with peak volumes, but exports were down 40% year-on-year in week 47 (Nov. 18-24) as a result of cold weather conditions during the start of the season.

In a weekly report, the Chilean Blueberry Committee said exports were down 17% year-on-year to date at 2,380 metric tons (MT), with air shipments accounting for more than half of shipments.

The committee said harvests were just getting started further south in the VII (Maule) and VIII (Biobio) regions. Even though there is a delay of 7-10 days on last year's period, mid-season varieties are reported to be developing similarly to in 2012-13.

"Temperatures have been just enough for maturing the fruit, such that the season’s advance has been moderate throughout the growing areas that are now under harvest," the report said.

"Still, because higher temperatures are predicted for next week, volumes harvested in December should be more consistent and in line with earlier estimates."

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