The Chilean Fruit Blueberry Committee released its estimate for the 2025-2026 export season, projecting a 1% increase in fresh blueberry shipments compared to the previous season. This projection shows a continuity in the recovery observed in 2024-2025, when volumes grew 5% after four consecutive seasons of decline.
“Beyond the volume increase, the most relevant aspect of the new season, as in previous years, is the transformation of the varietal mix. We expect a 67% growth in exports of replacement varieties, while traditional varieties will experience a 17% contraction. Thus, replacement, or protected, varieties will represent 35% of total shipments, compared to the 21% observed last season,” explained Andrés Armstrong, executive director of the Blueberry Committee.
The executive added that this adjustment process “responds to the need to face growing competition in international markets, offering fruit with better taste, quality, and consistency, supported by new postharvest technologies and logistical services that allow for faster and better-condition arrival to main destinations.”
Regarding the weekly shipment dynamics, a small advance is observed in the earlier supply regions, while the shipment peak should be between weeks 51 and 3, within the normal range for Chilean fresh blueberry exports.
On the other hand, the frozen industry has shown notable dynamism in recent years, driven by increased consumption post-pandemic. This market has become a strategic opportunity for Chilean producers, especially for channeling those traditional varieties that are no longer competitive in the fresh market.
In total, between fresh and frozen blueberries, more than 161 thousand tons of blueberries are expected to be shipped, with a 2% increase compared to the previous season.
With this estimate, “the Committee reaffirms the sector’s commitment to offering a sustainable, competitive, and high-quality supply for international markets, strengthening Chile’s positioning as a relevant and necessary actor in the global blueberry industry,” concluded the president of the Blueberry Committee, Ruy Barbosa.
