The Chilean blueberry industry has carried out a number of special events to celebrate and promote the entry of Chilean blueberries into the Chinese market, according to a press release from the Chilean Exporters Association (Asoex).
An official ceremony was held last week at the Chilean embassy in Beijing, attended by the Asoex general manager Miguel Canala-Echeverría, and the Chilean Blueberry Committee.
The event was also attended by top representatives of the Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine of China (Aqsiq), led by vice-minister Wei Chuanzhong; as well as the Chilean Ambassador in China, Luis Schmidt; and several local and international media.
“Chile is the first country authorised to export blueberries to China and given our condition as producer and exporter of this fruit from the Southern Hemisphere, it is a natural complement to Chinese production,” explained Canala–Echeverría.
“This condition will permit Chinese consumers to have fresh blueberries practically during the whole year, which will thus also contribute to increased knowledge and consumption of this fruit not only during winter time but also in summer,” he added.
During the ceremony, the industry also launched the first promotions of Chilean blueberries in China as a first step towards preparing a future promotional programme, according to Asoex.
Specific activities have taken place at selected stores of Beijing retail chain BHG, where point-of-sale materials were delivered and tastings carried out.
In the future, Asoex said Chilean blueberries will also be promoted via activities in specialised media, points of sale and recipe ideas in conjunction with the main Chinese importers and distributors.
