Positive season for Argentine blueberries: "It is a constant process of changing to newer varieties"
"The Argentine blueberry season has been quite positive. In general, it has been much better than the 2016 season. That year, the Peruvian and Argentine offer coincided, so the market collapsed. Even so, there are markets that prefer our fruit for flavor and sweetness (Brix level higher). However, other markets prefer the fruit of Peru“explains Carlos Stabile, from Extraberries Argentina.
The main export destinations for Extraberries is North America, followed by Europe and the United Kingdom. “We are always eager to expand our export. When the season was about to end, we were granted access to the Chinese market, so we will start selling in this new destination starting next season".
He explains that, in general, the blueberry market is growing. “There are some mature markets because the consumption of blueberries is part of the tradition, such as the United States and Canada. However, there are still markets in which consumption is growing, such as Europe, and also Argentina itself. Blueberries are a fairly new fruit for the Argentine market and this year consumption has grown significantly. It's something very positive for the producers".
The group's total blueberry production comes from three different companies, from three different points. Extraberries in Salta, northwest of Argentina, with 170 hectares; Extraberries de Concordia, in Entre Ríos, northeastern Argentina, with 85 hectares, and finally Gamorel in Salto, Uruguay, with 170 hectares. The varieties are Snowchaser, Emerald, Star and also newer ones such as Farthing and Kestrel. “It is a constant process of changing production to newer varieties, as there will always be improved varieties with, for example, a longer shelf life or improved quality".
"This group of companies is the only one in Argentina and Uruguay that works with a Unitec sorting machine, the Blueberry Vision. We have acquired three machines, one for each farm. The machine classifies based on performance, quality and softness. It has been an investment, although this way we trust more in the fruit that we export. Considering that we are increasing exports by sea, being sure of the quality of the fruit is a huge advantage".
Cherries
Cerezas Argentinas and Frutos de los Lagos are part of the same group of companies, with a cherry production of 170 hectares and 130 hectares, respectively. “The production of Frutas de los Lagos has ecological certification, something very unique, since there is hardly any offer of organic cherries. The demand for organic cherries is growing".
"Our production of cherries is in the exact place to have the correct growth conditions, such as a dry and fresh climate“, indicates. “The season goes from November to January and the season has been good. As for blueberries, the export markets are the United States and Europe, and some shipments are also made to Asia. The good thing is that we are in the process of opening the Chinese market, we hope that materializes in 2019".
"Every year we experience strong competition from Chile, which affects the price. However, I think the demand for cherries is enough for both countries to place the fruit".
Source: FreshPlaza
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