Crop and Export Report 2020, Week 44

The maximum temperatures have returned to high in recent days, especially in the central and south-central areas, after some rains at the end of last week. The harvest labors continue focused on the northern regions, which still show greater accumulated volumes compared to the previous season on the same date. Meanwhile, the central and south-central zones are gradually progressing and mainly with fruit from covered orchards (tunnel). However, regular orchards without protection are already being incorporated and therefore, an increase in the export volumes is expected at November, which is normal.

In summary, 1,345 tons have been exported up to week 43, 14% more than the same week of the previous season. Most of this volume corresponds to organic blueberries, which have a 55% stake to date. In relation to destination markets, North America has received 55% of the total shipped to date and the total of organic blueberries, while the Far East has received 42% of the volume shipped so far.

Regarding the stocks of frozen blueberries in the U.S., during the month of September which, along with August, is when the peak of accumulated fruit is reached, a second record figure was registered with 144,500 tons stored, that is, 10% more fruit than in the same month of 2019.