Según Rabobank debido al tipo de cambio aumentarían las exportaciones de berries desde EEUU. al mundo

Según este reciente trabajo llamado Ag Focus US Berries, publicado por Rabobank, debido a la debilidad del dólar y al aumento de la demanda de nuevos mercados, EE.UU. tiene una gran oportunidad para aumentar sus ventas en mercados externos. Aquí una descripción del trabajo.

The low dollar combined with increased demand for berries has given U.S. farmers the opportunity to expand their exports, according to a recent Rabobank report. According to the report, "Ag Focus - U.S. Berries," the United States has room to expand its berry exports overseas as demand continues to grow-particularly demand for raspberries and blueberries. In fact, Japan has increasingly become a marketplace for blueberries. While strawberry demand is leveling off, Canada remains the top export target, accounting for more than 80% of the exports, while Mexico takes 12%.

"There are opportunities for U.S. berry farmers in markets where domestic blueberry production can't keep up with demand-such as northern Europe or Asia," said Rabobank Assistant Vice President of Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) Marieke de Rijke. "However, even the U.S. consumer appetite for blueberries has most likely not been fulfilled, which creates additional domestic growth opportunities."

Additionally, promotion of the health benefits of berries has been touted internationally pushing demand up beyond U.S. borders. "Over the past several years, demand for all U.S. berry varieties has grown significantly due to increased consumer awareness of their health benefits. In the short term, demand for blueberries and raspberries is expected to continue growing," said de Rijke. "They are the type of fruit today's consumer is looking for: convenient, healthy and available year-round. In the medium to longer-term however, demand for berries, and strawberries in particular, are expected to grow at a more gradual pace."

In the United States, fresh blueberry consumption is up 65%, fresh raspberry consumption is up nearly 300% and fresh strawberry demand is up 45%. This growth has kept prices strong and has encouraged farmers to expand production acreage.

Wild blueberries, which are indigenous to North America, combined with cultivated blueberries make up the second largest berry crop in the United States. And, while 2007 production is down slightly from 2006, demand continues to increase. "Blueberries, which are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber, have enjoyed increased demand as consumers continue to look for healthier and more nutritious diets," de Rijke said. "Additionally, consumers also appear to prefer the convenience of eating blueberries because they don't require any peeling or slicing."
Source: Business Credit