Chile's blueberry bounce: Fresh exports to rise as new varieties take root

Chile’s Blueberry Committee released its second export estimate for the 2025-26 season, forecasting a 1 percent uptick in shipments year-on-year. The organization attributes the slight growth to continued recovery and an ongoing shift toward newer, higher-performing varieties. 

The 2024-25 season marked a 5 percent increase in fresh exports following four consecutive years of decline. Growth was partly driven by a 49 percent rise in new varietal shipments, which then made up 21 percent of total exports.

For 2025-26, protected varieties are expected to grow by 67 percent, while traditional varieties will increase by 17 percent, according to the committee’s executive director, Andrés Armstrong.

“Beyond the increase in volume, the most relevant aspect of the new season, as in previous years, is the transformation of the varietal mix,” Armstrong says. He adds that, “replacement or protected varieties will represent 35 percent of total shipments, compared to 21 percent last season.”

Shipping peaks remain steady, frozen exports surge

The committee anticipates a slightly earlier start from northern regions, namely Coquimbo. The peak shipping window is expected between weeks 51 and 3, in line with historical norms.

Armstrong notes that the ongoing varietal transition is a response to intensifying international competition and the need to improve flavor, quality, and consistency. 

Meanwhile, the frozen segment is emerging as a key channel for older, less competitive cultivars. The committee highlights strong global demand for the category, a trend spurred in part by pandemic-era consumption habits. 

Projections for the 2025-26 season put Chilean blueberry exports at over 354 million pounds, with the frozen segment accounting for 43 percent of said volume. The estimate also represents a 2 percent overall increase year-on-year.

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