The 2025-2026 season for Chilean blueberries is in full development and has faced various production challenges, which have been observed on the ground by the team from Agricultural and Commercial Consultant Santa María (CASM Blueberries) through visits to fields of their clients in different regions of the country.
According to Sebastián Ochoa, Director of CASM Blueberries and founder of Blueberries News, a clear advance in the production process has been observed in recent weeks. “Over the past three weeks we have visited our clients’ fields in Chile. Harvesting is progressing about 15 days ahead of schedule,” he noted.
Ochoa explained that this earlier timing has had direct effects on fruit quality. “Due to the shorter development period from flowering to harvest, the fruit has a lower dry matter content, which affects firmness in some varieties,” he said.
In addition, the rainfall recorded during December in southern Chile has increased botrytis pressure.
“It is essential to maintain constant monitoring and to have a phytosanitary program aligned with the current sanitary situation,” warned the Director of CASM Blueberries.
Regarding regional harvest progress, Ochoa explained that “the harvest in the Los Ángeles area is coming to an end, while in the southern zone (Los Ríos and Los Lagos regions) the process is advancing rapidly, with an earlier-than-expected completion projected.”
Export Projections
The Chilean Blueberry Committee of Fruits from Chile is projecting a slight increase in fresh fruit shipments for the current season, which are expected to reach 91,500 tons, representing a 1% growth.
This increase comes in a context of greater global competition, especially from countries such as Peru, which continue to strengthen their presence in international markets.
