Offering blueberries The supply from northern Europe is steadily increasing. “We started on June 22nd in the south of the Netherlands. As usual, we begin harvesting in the north of the country about ten days later, that is, right around this time,” explains Harm Valckx of the Coöperatie European Blueberry Growers, an organization that brings together producers from the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Serbia, and Lithuania.

Valckx has visited numerous growers and is optimistic about the season. “The crops look good everywhere, and the volumes coming in are plentiful. We only expect a slightly smaller harvest of the Liberty variety. Damage from last week’s heatwave was also limited. In more inland areas, such high temperatures usually cause damage, but on the farms I visited, everything seems to be going well,” he says.

At the same time, the supply from various European countries is beginning to increase. “The seasons in Morocco and Spain have already ended, but France and the Netherlands have started, as have producers in southern and central Germany. Poland will join in the coming days, and I understand that Ukraine will soon have fruit available. Romania is also supplying fruit, so many countries are entering the market,” Valckx comments.

The import season has unfolded somewhat differently this year. “It was positive for fruit from South America and South Africa, but the quality from Spain and Morocco was disappointing due to the weather conditions. We observed a particular decline in the quality of small Moroccan fruit, something we weren't used to. However, the total volume from Morocco is expected to increase significantly in the coming years,” he explains.

Currently, prices remain at a level considered satisfactory. However, Valckx anticipates that they could face pressure as Poland and Germany enter peak production. “Fortunately, significant promotions are planned, especially in Germany, starting in week 29, so a lot of fruit will be absorbed during that period. As usual, the Polish supply arrives two or three weeks after ours, which still benefits us. However, I estimate that the season will be short and that we will sell most of our harvest by the end of August,” he says.

In the Netherlands, the cultivated area with blueberries It has shown a slight downward trend in recent years. “One of the largest producers in the region, with 60 hectares, ceased operations. This shows how difficult it is for producers to compete with labor costs in other countries. Many use mechanical harvesters, but even then, a certain scale is needed for the business to be profitable,” explains Valckx.

Even so, he observes a trend, especially in the Netherlands and Germany, toward greater adoption of new varieties. “Older varieties are being phased out. New varieties offer higher yields and, generally, better quality,” he says.

At the Berry Packing Services packing plant, the season is already in full swing. “Last winter we expanded the facilities by 2.500 square meters and now we're working at full capacity for 16 hours a day,” Valckx concludes.