Chile Enhances Organic Winter Fruit Production with Focus on Blueberries and Stone Fruits

Chile is strengthening its position as a key supplier of organic winter fruit, led prominently by organic blueberries. Recent data reveals significant growth in organic blueberry shipments from Chile to the United States, underscoring Chile’s strategic emphasis on the organic fruit sector.

Organic Blueberries: A Growing Star

• Shipment Growth: In the 2018-19 season, Chile’s organic blueberry exports to the U.S. surged by nearly 25%. The 2019-20 season has seen an even stronger start, with October shipments more than doubling compared to the previous year and November shipments up by 40% in the first half.
• Market Opportunity: Karen Brux, Managing Director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, highlights the strong consumer demand in the U.S., where total organic fresh produce sales reached $5.6 billion in 2018. Organic blueberries led growth with a $63.9 million sales increase.
• Production Expansion: Organic blueberries have grown from 6% of Chile’s total blueberry output five years ago to 12% last year, with expectations for an even higher share by season’s end.
• Competitive Advantage: Facing competition from Peru and others, Chile leverages its organic production as a key differentiator. Collaborative promotional efforts with U.S. retailers aim to boost both conventional and organic blueberry sales.
• Seasonal Availability: Peak organic blueberry shipments occur from mid-December through February, tapering off by early March. Retailers can anticipate robust supplies in time for holiday promotions and enhanced volumes into January.

Diversifying Organic Winter Fruit Portfolio

Chile’s organic grape exports to the U.S. remain restricted due to USDA fumigation requirements. However, progress is being made in expanding organic production of stone fruits:

• New Organic Crops: Summit Produce Inc. reports marketing limited volumes of organic cherries, white nectarines, and red plums from Chile during the winter months. Cherries are expected from December, while nectarines and plums will debut in early 2020.
• Orchard Transitions: GESEX, a major Chilean grower-shipper-exporter partnering with Summit Produce, is actively converting orchards to organic cultivation, positioning the company for significant organic fruit volume growth in coming years.

Summary

Chile’s increased commitment to organic fruit production—especially blueberries—and its forward-looking strategies to expand organic stone fruit offerings underscore its ambition to meet growing U.S. demand. Retailers can expect improved organic fruit availability during the critical winter months, supported by proactive grower-retailer collaborations and expanding organic acreage.

Source: Organic Produce Network, November 21, 2019

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.