Argentina expects blueberry growth

Argentina is anticipating an increased blueberry export crop of 17,303 tonnes during the 2011/12 season, which begins this month.

The first fruit of the season will be available from Tucumán, followed by Concordia during October and finishing during November when volume peaks from the Buenos Aires region.

According to pre-season estimates from the Argentinean Blueberry Committee (ABC), the US and Canada can expect to receive 11,110t and 1,023t respectively, exported by both air and boat, writes Eurofruit's Gill McShane.

The UK will remain the second-largest market after the US with 2,746t, and continental Europe will also absorb some 1,993t, while the remaining 431t will be exported to other markets.

Exports are due to begin in week 37, and volume is set to peak around week 45 in the US and week 48 in Europe, the organisation said in its pre-season report.

ABC said its projections are based on historical own and third party information as well as taking into account technical information from Argentina’s three major blueberry-producing regions (Tucumán, Concordia, and Buenos Aires).

Argentina exported 15,000t of blueberries last season, up 30 per cent against sendings in 2009/10.

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