Uruguay is gearing up to export 1,200-1,500 tonnes of blueberries to the US this season in only its second year of access to the market, according to a local news source.
Some 50 per cent of production will be shipped to the US between October and November, worth an estimated US$12m, Pablo Furest, director of the Uruguayan Blueberry Producers’ Union, told reporters.
The US granted entry to Uruguay’s blueberries in 2007. During the first year of access, Uruguay exported just over 120 tonnes of the fruit to the US.
Aside from the US and the EU, Uruguay is said to be keen to develop a presence in Brazil, Mexico, China, Japan, Russia and other destinations.
Currently, there are 600ha of blueberries in production across Uruguay and a further 200ha are yet to enter commercial bearing.
The majority of production is located in the regions of Salto and Paysandú, and in areas close to Montevideo.
