An unexpected frost which hit the Argentinean region of Tucumán over the weekend is thought to have affected up to 50-80 per cent of the local blueberry crop, according to early indications reported in the local news.
Both fruit volume and quality have been “seriously” impacted following temperatures as low as -5oC, and suppliers have been urged not to export damaged fruit to overseas markets.
Tucumán regional governor José Alperovich told local newspaper El Siglo that numerous hectares of production may have been lost in the frosts, causing concern for over 10,000 jobs related to the local industry.
The Tucumán crop represents 12 per cent of Argentina’s national blueberry volumes.
At present, it is unclear what impact, if any, the anticipated shortfall in Tucumán will have on Argentina’s overall blueberry output and export volumes for key markets including the US and Europe.
Meanwhile, in Concordia, another major Argentinean blueberry-producing region, sizes are reportedly good, with volumes expected to be significantly higher than in 2007.
