Colombia: They estimate to increase the area under cultivation of blueberries to 400 hectares
Although it reached Colombian soil more than 30 years ago, cranberry has not managed to project itself as a fruit of weight in the market of that country, compared to other berries. However, local producers intend to change that scenario at the end of the 2018 year.
According to estimates of the Colombian Association of Producers of Blueberries (Asocolblue) blueberry plantations could reach the 400 hectares in December this year, a figure that looks auspicious compared to the 240 hectares that today covers the "super fruit" in Neogranadino territory.
Spokesmen of the organism remember that four years ago the business of the cranberry in Colombia began with hardly eight hectares, and indicate that the first varieties that were used were imported from the United States.
“The high demand for blueberries that has occurred in the world during the last five years made it necessary to develop the crop in national territory. He tree who experiences this berrie is due to its nutrients and health benefits such as antioxidants, stimulate the immune system and slow down aging, "says Asocolblue.
Colombian producers say that the production of blueberries is expensive because it implies the use of a more sophisticated technological level in comparison to other fruits. "Keeping one hectare can cost between US $ 40.000 and US $ 50.000", say from Asociación
In spite of these data, they are optimistic and hope that in the next 10 years the nation can be a competitor of the item, that in South America they lead countries like Chile and Peru, although other commercial actors like Argentina and Uruguay also appear.
Popularity in growth
In Colombia there is no great culture of consumption of blueberries as in other regions of the world, but there is increasing attention that fruit monopolizes in the national gastronomic industry.
According to data from Asocolblue, within the jam and alcoholic beverages industry it has gained an important popularity, as well as its use has become more common for the preparation of sauces in restaurants and traditional Colombian food places.
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