The Chilean Blueberry Committee has lowered its export projections for this week due to the impacts of rains as the country enters its peak period.
In a report prepared by researcher iQonsulting, the committee forecast an export level of 6,500 metric tons (MT), compared to the 6,800MT initially estimated.
“Climatic factors could influence a delay in the harvest due to rains expected on Thursday 6 in the areas with the highest production (VII and VIII regions),” the report said.
iQonsulting analyst Isabel Urrutia told www.freshfruitportal.com the rains started at night and carried on through the morning, from Santiago heading south.
Until now the season has gone according to what was originally predicted. Chile has exported 6,529 tons, 16.7% less than last season and showing progress that is about 7.5% higher than what was estimated.
While this week should be a bit lower than originally expected, last week’s shipments were 137MT higher than forecast, with around 31% sent via air freight.
The committee’s full season export estimate is 81,945MT.
