The start of the 2026 blueberry season in Huelva is marked by challenging weather conditions, with accumulated rainfall, windy spells, and reduced sunlight that have delayed the ripening of early varieties and complicated pollination. In this context, Roberto Arnal, a producer associated with Plus Berries, explains that the focus has been on closer monitoring of the crop, humidity control, and disease prevention, while the company strengthens its controls to ensure quality standards and compliance.

“We started the 2026 blueberry season in a particularly challenging weather context. In our case, the rain hasn't harmed us, but the winds that accompanied the storms have been more of a concern and have affected production structures. The generally unpleasant weather has also been a problem for pollination, and the lack of sunlight has delayed the ripening of the earliest varieties,” says Roberto Arnal, a blueberry producer associated with the Plus Berries group.

Arnal explains that the winter and the start of the season have been marked by higher rainfall than usual. “On our farm, we’ve recorded 631 liters per square meter so far, but luckily, it’s fallen well,” he says. “On our farm in Gibraleón, the wind damage has also been moderate.”

According to the producer, the most visible effect has been the lower accumulated radiation in recent months, which is delaying the start of the season. “What we are noticing most is the consequence of the lack of sunlight, which is delaying the start. This has forced us to closely monitor the crop, especially in controlling soil moisture and preventing diseases associated with excess water,” he says.

Despite this situation, Arnal is optimistic about the crop's performance. "The plants have responded well. With proper technical management and good ventilation in the greenhouses, we are obtaining fruit with good size and flavor," he says.

© PlusBerries

In line with this approach, Plus Berries has intensified controls both in the field and at the packing facility to ensure that the blueberries maintain their usual standards of firmness, natural bloom, and organoleptic balance. Furthermore, varietal planning allows for staggered production and reduces exposure to risks associated with humidity.

“This reaffirms our commitment to consistent supply and quality, even during seasons with more challenging weather. The market doesn't care about the weather; it cares about quality and on-time delivery. That's why our priority is to anticipate needs and ensure that every shipment meets the required specifications,” says the management team at Plus Berries.