The Argentinean Blueberry Committee (ABC) has revised downwards its expectations for the 2011/12 season, according to the latest crop report from the organisation, which comprises data from the nation’s three major blueberry-producing regions.
Total exports are now expected to reach 16,638 tonnes, down slightly from the 17,303 tonnes predicted by ABC at the beginning of September.
Of that total, ABC said some 10,481 tonnes will be shipped to the US – the largest market for Argentinean blueberries – on the back of a tripling in sendings in the past five years.
A further 852 tonnes will be distributed in Canada, while 2,636 tonnes will head to the UK, 2,286 tonnes to the rest of Europe and 383 tonnes to other global markets, including Asia.
ABC committee manager Inés Peláez said Argentina’s blueberry season begins in the Tucumán region, followed by Concordia in October and finishing in the Buenos Aires region in November when Argentinean blueberry season reaches its peak.
Harvesting in Tucumán is on course to begin seven to ten days earlier than last year with the peak in volume expected during weeks 43-44, following higher temperature to date compared with last year.
In Concordia, meanwhile, the season is not due to start earlier. Harvesting of traditional varieties is set to begin in earnest from 20 October, peaking in weeks 44-45.
