Despite climate challenges and increasing competition, the Chilean blueberry season —now in its final stage— is projecting favorable results for the industry.
One example is the Biobío Berries Producers Association (Aproberries), which reported that the season in the region closed with an 11.6% increase in export volume, reaching 11,500 tons, above the 10,300 recorded in the 2024–2025 cycle.
In this regard, the association’s president, Francisco Novales, noted that productive potential could have been even greater. However, the December 21 weather event affected fruit condition and forced a significant share to be allocated to IQF frozen production instead of the fresh market, in a season that was also advanced by unusually high temperatures during winter and spring.
Regarding returns, the sector remains cautious, as part of the volume was still in transit at the time of the regional assessment. From the exporter Fistur, its manager, Peter Stengel, stated that “the roughly two-week advance was reflected early in the shipping curve, with more fruit dispatched in December without an increase in planted area. In revenue terms, the close is shaping up similarly to the previous season.”
With a focus on the South American context, regional stakeholders estimate that Chile would be close to 90,000 tons exported this season, about 25% of the continent’s supply, while Biobío would represent approximately 15% of the national total. This figure summarizes the region’s strategic importance and explains why market requirements and condition upon arrival have become central to the conversation.
To avoid losing ground in premium markets, the region has begun a genetic modernization process that is as aggressive as it is costly. Traditional varieties such as Duke and Legacy are giving way to new alternatives like Sekoya, Luna, Arabella, and Titanium, developed to offer greater firmness and better performance on long-distance shipments—key attributes for international retail.
Sustained growth drives exports in the final stretch
According to the latest harvest and export report prepared by iQonsulting and the Blueberry Committee of Fruits from Chile, volume in week 5 reached 2,930 tons. On a cumulative basis, total shipments amount to 88,410 tons, representing a 7% increase compared to the same week of the previous season.
Export volumes have already exceeded the seasonal projection (87,406 tons), as the blueberry season approaches its end.
Total cumulative organic shipments reached 16,715 tons, accounting for 19% of total fresh fruit exports.
The main varieties exported this season are Legacy, with a 30% share, followed by Duke at 21% and Blue Ribbon at 8%, reflecting a gradual transition toward genetic materials with stronger commercial performance.
