Argentina's blueberry exports have risen to 15,803 tonnes this season (2011/12), compared with 15,328 tonnes in 2010/11.
Volume to Europe has increased by 18 per cent, up from 4,049 tonnes in 2010/11 to 4,789 tonnes in 2011/12, the Argentinean Blueberry Committee (ABC) said in a press release.
“We are very pleased that exports of Argentinean blueberries to Europe have grown this year,” said ABC manager Inés Peláez.
“Exports to the US are down slightly on last year, but European volumes have soared which is great.
“It seems that European consumers are becoming more aware of the fruit and there is now more demand for it,” Peláez added.
For the past three years, ABC has participated in the Blueberries from the South marketing campaign with Chile and Uruguay to promote South American blueberries in Europe.
This season, however, ABC is running a standalone European campaign to promote Argentinean blueberries in the UK, France, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands.
“All our markets are important to us, and as a committee we feel it’s imperative to deliver a good quality of service and provide accurate and reliable information to the industry and consumers,” explained Peláez.
ABC represents over 70 per cent of Argentina’s blueberry exports and comprises the 14 key supply companies.
Members include: Tecnovital, Berries del Plata, Agroberries, Sun Belle Argentina, Hortifrut Argentina, Blueberries, Gramm Agropecuaria, Ayuí, Nice Berry, Extraberries, Sunny Valley Argentina, Berries del Sol, Integrity and Northbay.
