The weather continues to pose problems for growers from the Central area to the South. On 18th December rainfall commenced that did not stop until the 20th. More rain is expected early next week, whilst in the South more is expected to fall over the weekend.

According to the Chilean Blueberry Committee once the weather improves a new report is planned that will detail the effects that it will have had on exports.

6.191 tons were exported in total in week 50, which means a total export of 18,217 tons so far this season. This is 15% lower than last year and 7% less than earlier predictions.

Lower volumes are expected for week 51 also. Originally 7,300 tons had been planned, but this has now been downgraded to 6,500 tons.

The poor weather has encouraged fresh consumption so far, as it is produce destined for freezing that as been overwhelmingly affected, though this is expected to shift soon.