The Argentinian Blueberry Committee (ABC) has said the industry is making "productive, logistical and commercial changes" this season to help avoid a repeat of last year's poor market conditions.

ABC representative Matías Notti said the changes included shippers sending a higher proportion of fruit via sea freight, which would mean fruit being available later in the year.

As of week 40, Argentine blueberry exports for the season were registered 35% higher year-on-year at 4,234 metric tons (MT).

Shipments via air freight increased 18% to 3,383MT, while maritime volumes shot up from 272MT to 851MT.

“After heavier initial shipments to China, we know that Peru is diversifying and sending more sea shipments to the U.S.," Notti said.

He also said growers seemed to be delayed in Chile, which has experienced a cooler start to the spring than normal.

He said he was therefore optimistic about the sales prices for weeks 48, 49 and 50.

In addition, Notti noted that stocks on both U.S. coasts were lower than in previous campaigns, and far lower than during last year's "catastrophic" season.

"This means that with suitable promotions, the product will keep on rotating and it's possible that the market impact Peru will have with its container arrivals will not be as significant as last year," he said.

He said Argentine shippers would aim to continue sending the larger volumes via sea freight for as long as possible.

ABC president Federico Baya said: "The growers have been able to plan better and that has led to an improved season."

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