Colombia is looking to be the next big blueberry exporter.
According to the Colombian Blueberry Growers Association (Asocolblue), Colombian blueberry exports are on track to hit a record $1.5 million by the end of this year, as reported by Simfruit.
At the end of August, shipments totaled $866,529, up from just $1,323 when compared to the same period last year. This rise is a direct reflection of the increase of the area planted, which now covers 550 hectares, compared to 50 hectares ten years ago.
This increase is driven by high levels of investments coming from Chilean and North American companies who are attracted by the year round ability of Colombia to grow blueberries.
While commercial production of the fruit started six years ago in Colombia, the first plants actually arrived in the country over two decades ago from the United States. Asocolblue estimates that production will reach 1,000 hectares by the end of 2021.
According to Procolombia, Colombia aims to be within the world’s top ten exporters of blueberries, while filling in the window between Chilean and U.S. crops.
