Uruguay's blueberry industry has lost almost two-thirds of its fruit destined for export due to multiple adverse weather events in October, according to the Union of Fruit Producers and Exporters of Uruguay (Upefruy). 

In a statement, Upefruy manager Heraldo Mendez estimated 1,500 metric tons (MT) had been lost from anticipated total exports this season of 2,400MT.

"The weather events that took place on Oct. 18 - which included torrential rains, an electrical storm, localized hail and strong winds in excess of 100km/h - in addition to the weather events of the 1st and 2nd of the month in the areas of Salto and Paysandú, have caused great losses for the sector," Mendez said.

He said the damage estimate had been generated from the latest evaluations and tests carried out on different production sites.

So far a total of 650MT have been exported this season, and there are now thought to be only another 250MT remaining.

Mendez added some 90,000 direct jobs in areas like packing and harvesting had been affected, along with indirect jobs such as those related to transportation and logistics.

Related story: Hail hits blueberry production in Argentine region

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