Jorge Pazos, head of the Chamber of Blueberry Exporters, stated that production remains stable despite a drop in exports, offset by increased domestic consumption. In an interview with Canal E, he emphasized balancing local and external markets, along with the growing role of frozen fruit and Brazil as a key destination.
Although blueberry exports show a decline compared to the previous year, Jorge Pazos, head of the Chamber of Blueberry Exporters, described the sector in a complex reconfiguration process during an interview with Canal E on January 23, 2026. "Consumption in the domestic market has increased and, in terms of production, it remains similar to previous years," Pazos stated, noting that local growth offsets the external setback.
The leader explained that the internal market offers competitive conditions, with prices similar to exports. "With greater demand and similar prices, it is often easier to seek results in the domestic market with fresh fruit," he said. However, he warned that sustaining external markets is essential: "We are among those who think that external markets must be maintained over time".
Pazos emphasized the need for balance between exports, domestic market, and frozen fruit. "Disassembling a production has a very high exit cost, because the entry cost was also high," he noted, highlighting frozen as an alternative for unsold volumes, though dependent on Northern Hemisphere stocks.
The climate had a positive impact: a mild winter allowed advancing volumes, with the season starting late August, peaking in October-November, and ending mid-December. Demand grows steadily, extending the production curve, and Brazil emerges as a strategic market with increasing exports.
Finally, Pazos valued the elimination of retentions: "The tariff is now zero, which is what it should always have been," concluding on its impact on employment and territorial roots.
