The sector has changed significantly after a decade of rapid growth. The area planted with blueberries It went from just 471 hectares in 2015 to a peak of nearly 3.800 hectares in 2022/23, before declining due to falling prices, rising costs and more intense global competition.

The industry maintains a strong export orientation. The United Kingdom and the European Union remain its main traditional markets, while the Middle East and Asia are gaining increasing importance.

Negotiations to gain access to the Chinese market for the blueberries South Africans are at an advanced stage, following the recent signing, in September 2026, of a protocol for South African cherries.

Good start in the north

The 2026 season started favorably in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Northwest Province, where growers have benefited from good yields, good quality fruit and favorable export prices.

Production in the northern provinces has become increasingly important because these regions harvest before the larger volumes from Peru reach international markets.

Elzette Schutte, operations manager at Berries ZA, told Farmer's Weekly that the northern plantations currently account for about half of South Africa's berry acreage. blueberries.

“Because this production is harvested earlier in the season, before Peru, it is in a more favorable window than that of the Western Cape,” he stated.

Export prices recorded at the start of the season were around R135/kg to R150/kg, compared to levels close to R90/kg after larger Peruvian volumes entered the market from mid-October last year

More uncertain prospects for the Western Cape

The Western Cape, historically the main producing region of blueberries South Africa faces a more uncertain season after a warmer and drier winter than usual, a situation that adds to the damage caused by flooding in some fields at the beginning of the year.

Schutte noted that, in general terms, the crops are still showing good condition, although a lower accumulation of winter chill and possible pressures on irrigation could affect the final result of the season.

Port operations are another concern as the region approaches its main export period.

A smaller Peruvian harvest could ease global pressure

South Africa remains a relatively small producer compared to Peru, the world's leading exporter of blueberriesBut the current Peruvian season could bring some relief.

Proarándanos, an organization that represents the Peruvian blueberry industry blueberry, has repeatedly revised its export forecast for the 2026/27 season downwards because weather conditions associated with El Niño have affected crop development.

Their latest estimate puts exports at around 344.000 tons, more than 10% below the previous season, despite having approximately 15% more hectares in production.

An earlier projection, published in October, had already reduced the expected volume to 366.000 tons, a figure that represented a decrease of 9,4% compared to the initial estimate of 404.000 tons made in August.

This scenario is relevant for South African producers because Peru's peak export weeks coincide directly with the Western Cape's trade window between October and December.

Lower Peruvian volumes could ease supply pressure in key markets such as the UK and Europe and help sustain firmer prices for South African fruit.

South African producers are increasingly focusing on genetics, flavor, firmness, freshness, and selecting specific market windows.

"The blueberries they are not simply blueberries“It’s about selecting the right variety based on flavor, freshness, and crispness,” Schutte noted.

New markets remain important

South Africa is also looking to reduce its dependence on Europe. Talks to gain access to the Chinese market are ongoing, while India represents another destination with significant potential.

The pest risk analysis for India has already been completed and the import tariff has been reduced from 30% to 10%, although negotiations on reciprocal market access have not yet been resolved.

The domestic market is also growing, supported by retailers who are increasingly marketing specific varieties, highlighting attributes such as taste and quality.

Why this scenario is relevant for South African producers

The growth prospects of the South African industry of blueberry Over the next few years, they point to a more moderate pace than the sharp increase in plantings recorded during the last decade.

Success will increasingly depend on where the fields are established, what genetics are selected, when the fruit reaches the market, and whether exporters can access a wider range of destinations.

The reduction in projections for Peru creates a potentially more favorable international environment for prices during the current South African season, but does not eliminate underlying competitive pressure.

South Africa's opportunity continues to lie in offering differentiated, high-quality fruit at the right time.

Read also:

• AgroBerries aims to expand its blueberry exports in Asia
• Fall Creek tests new blueberry genetic selections in southern Africa
• Miguel Bentín at Fruit Attraction 2026: “The peak of the Peruvian blueberry will be equal to or less than predicted”
• The windows are moving: how the Latin American blueberry calendar is changing
• Germany: “Slight blueberry shortage and a difficult season for cranberries”
• Europe maintains high demand for blueberries, but quality defines the market.