Chile sent 51,119 tonnes of mussels (Mytilus chilensis) abroad between January and August this year, representing an increase of 8.6 per cent compared to exports in the same period of 2012 (47,058 tonnes).
In terms of value, the shipments of mussels abroad during the first eight months of this year generated revenues of USD 145.7 million, representing 23 per cent over the same period in 2012, when USD 118.5 million was obtained.
According to the data provided by InfoTrade to Aqua, the average value of mussels during January and August, 2013 was USD 2.85 per kilogram, exceeding the same period last year: USD 2.52 / kg.
The ranking of exporters was led by Blue Shell, with USD 16.5 million and 6,169 tonnes of mussels.
The second position was for Pesquera Trans Antartic, with 2,885 tonnes worth USD 16.2 million; and further back was Camanchaca with 4,951 tonnes shipped abroad for USD 12.8 million.
In fourth place was St. Andrews Smoky Delicacies, with 4,768 tonnes exported for USD 12.4 million; and the fifth place was for Toralla, with 3,375 tonnes worth USD 10.2 million.
On the other hand, according to a report published in May 2013, ProChile detected in Brazil a potential market for the local mussel.
While this country imported mussels for USD 1.2 million in 2012, a somewhat lower figure than that in 2011, representing an excellent opportunity for Chilean producers because domestic production is insufficient to meet the domestic demand.
In relation to export opportunities to Asia, so far mussels have only been sent to the Republic of Korea, while India is another attractive nation to the bivalve mollusc market.