No one missed the event at the Monticello Conference Center on the occasion of the 35th International Seminar of Blueberries Consulting This April 11th. It was a meeting unlike anything customary in the blueberry industry, as the main obstacles and challenges facing the Chilean industry were discussed with honesty and candor.
Reality was neither evaded nor minimized. At times, there was robust debate, and there was always sincerity in highlighting the shortcomings and acknowledging the mistakes of an industry that for many years led the world's blueberry export market, but which today is relegated to fourth place and plagued by many doubts.

Opportunity scenario

In a global scenario that is projected to produce almost 3 million tons by the end of this decade and with a growing demand that extends throughout the geography of the planet, the blueberry business is not in question; on the contrary, it is very well-off in commercial terms and is preparing to continue climbing as a profitable industry with the continuous renewal of varieties, which allow it to offer a product that is increasingly more attractive in flavor, size, firmness and sweetness, in addition to the demonstrated versatility as a crop that is produced in different climates, soils and management systems.

Productivity

The Chilean blueberry industry covers an area of ​​over 18 hectares planted, producing just over 140 tons. Therefore, its average productivity barely exceeds 8 tons per hectare, which is not a figure with which it can compete in the global market. The ideal is to achieve a figure close to 20 tons per hectare to regain competitiveness, which is expected to be achieved by switching to newly developed varieties.

The challenge is enormous, so the industry is preparing to continue working with producers and agricultural entrepreneurs who have proven they do things well and offer the market a fruit that stands out for its quality.

Frozen alternative

Of the more than 140 tons produced by the Chilean industry, only 90 tons were fresh fruit and almost 60 were frozen fruit, opening up a new avenue for Chilean producers, as the frozen sector has much lower associated costs and almost half of production is already harvested mechanically. In the intense panel discussion, the frozen market was suggested as an alternative for the Chilean industry, although most producers remain resistant and prefer to continue trying to revive the fresh blueberry industry.

Frankness and reality

The panel discussions were a great success in the meeting's programming, as they allowed for a deep dive into the topics and their in-depth discussion, considering all the variables involved, even when there was some disagreement in the diagnosis. The prestige of the panelists, the solidity of their arguments, their extensive experience and knowledge of the market, and the quality and depth with which the topics were addressed made the Chile Seminar one of the important milestones in the analysis and evaluation of an industry that has lost competitiveness in recent years but is seeking to renew itself through genetics and technology.

Renewed or die

These have been difficult years for the blueberry industry in recent years. First, the pandemic, then the war in Ukraine, the El Niño phenomenon, and now the tariff war are some of the obstacles it has had to face. On the other hand, the unattainable achievements of the Peruvian industry, the competitive advantages of new genetics with zero or low chilling requirements, the high standards demanded by consumers, and the growing labor shortage, among other factors, jeopardize the real opportunities for Chilean blueberries in the competitive markets. However, Chilean producers refuse to give up and are determined first to recover growth and then distinguish themselves in fruit quality to regain their positions in the global blueberry market.

We look forward to seeing you at the next events of Blueberries Consulting:

-XXXVI International Blueberry Seminar, Guadalajara, Mexico May 28 and 29
-XXXVII International Blueberry Seminar, Trujillo, Peru, July 9 and 10
-XXXVIII International Seminar on Red Fruits, Tangier, Morocco, September 10