The Chinese market opened to American blueberries a month ago, and according to Alicia Adler, vice president of the US Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and North American Blueberry Council (NABC), that market has great potential. "The scale of this market is different from that of any other country because the population is very large. The number of people who can buy top quality imported fruit is really high, so the opportunities are greater, "he says.

Photo: US Highbush Blueberry Council

August and September will be an optimal window for export

China is currently in domestic blueberry season, but when the season ends, the U.S. will have plenty of opportunities to supply that market. "The biggest window will be in August and September of this season," explains Adler. «It is when the Chinese local season will end. "Peru usually starts to reach its peak volumes in September and October, and Chile doesn't arrive until November-December, but North America will reach its seasonal peak from mid-July to August, so the timing is perfect."

Although this year the focus will be on August and September, next year the hope is to be able to supply China throughout the US season. "This year, given the timing of the market opening, combined with the pandemic and the high demand in the North American market, there is less pressure on export markets. So this year we are focusing on raising awareness, establishing relationships with the importer community in China, and preparing for the 2021 season. Next year, we should be able to get a clearer picture of the opportunities we will have in the market".

Increased consumption and production

Blueberry production has been increasing around the world, and new countries and areas have begun to produce larger volumes for export markets. “Globally, per capita consumption of blueberries is only a fraction of that of North America, so that means there is a tremendous opportunity to increase global consumption and demand for blueberries. There are many emerging production zones in countries such as Peru and Mexico, and even in Morocco, South Africa and Spain. These are new production areas oriented to export and increasingly capable of taking advantage of emerging markets.

Despite everything, North America remains the largest producer of high-end blueberries, according to Adler, although the United States faces unique challenges that are not a problem for other producing countries. “We have the challenge of tariffs, especially on export to China, which will definitely have an effect on the way the market develops. “There is a tariff exemption option for importers, which will significantly reduce high taxes, and could be very helpful in developing the market in the short term.”

Photo: US Highbush Blueberry Council

Good production season in the United States

Currently, North America has just finished its season in California and is heading into the peak of its season in Oregon. “Oregon and Washington are two of the largest blueberry exporting states, and the Pacific Northwest is well positioned to take advantage of the Chinese market this year. Washington, Michigan and New Jersey are harvesting and will peak in late July and early August. Then British Columbia will harvest at the end of the Washington season in August and early September,” Adler continues.

This year's Florida season was hit hard by the pandemic, but other growing areas, fortunately, have not been as affected. «Florida farmers were hit hard in March, just as the economy ground to a halt. But since then, demand has recovered and we are seeing a very strong frozen market at the moment. He foodservice is still having problems, but demand in retailers It has been very good for fresh blueberries and records have been broken for frozen ones. Right now, the focus is on making sure we can continue harvesting and maintaining a safe environment for everyone in the sector,” concludes Adler.

Photo: US Highbush Blueberry Council