highest-cost producers in the world, and has more smaller growers than its competitors, which drives costs higher still.
However, he feels Chile is going to see
can build relationships with like-minded growers and packers so you understand better your place in the market, he adds.
“We all want to sell blueberries so it’s in our collective best interests to work together to sell blueberries, instead of (wasting energy) competing with each other.” The networking that goes on around these meetings is also invaluable and he finds he always learns something new from talking informally with other growers. Anyone can attend the
international meetings and have their say, he emphasizes, adding that they’re not just for elected directors or executive members, and it’s also important that spouses be involved.
One of the things he’s learned is that South America is rapidly becoming a major force on global markets. Chile, for instance, is now into blueberries in a big way, with more than 32,000 acres planted, and their season is just beginning. Last year, they produced 138 million pounds, compared to B.C.’s production of 95 million pounds. And, this year, it’s estimated the Chilean crop will be 190 million pounds—double the growth rate of B.C. blueberries.
They’re selling both fresh market fruit and now frozen as well. In North America, 60 per cent of blueberries go to the fresh market, while the remainder are frozen. “Five years down the road, they will be selling in markets we haven’t even broken into yet, like China. Growers need to know that,” he notes.
Health research into the benefits of eating blueberries will be the driving force in new markets, he predicts.
Consumers will become more aware of the product year around, as blueberries become available from southern countries.
6 British Columbia Berry Grower • Winter 2011-12 rising costs too, Likely, it will force producers in
B.C. to sell their product at a reasonable price, he adds.
Unfortunately, B.C. is home to the particularly for labour.
Such nuggets of knowledge are vital to a grower’s ability to plan for the future, says Makara, and it’s at international meetings that they are dropped.
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