Canada: British Columbia on its way to a record harvest of blueberries

Canada: British Columbia is on its way to a record harvest of blueberries

29/05/2015

«New plants continue to come into production and, as a result, British Columbia (BC) has a record blueberry harvest almost every year.says Chris Messent of Consolidated Fruit Packers (CFP). Everything seems to be going well for this year's harvest and the province is on track to produce about 73 million kilos. «I estimate that production will start at the end of June, an advance of about ten or fourteen days. It is the earliest beginning of the last years«Adds Messent. The province's blueberry program is important for CFP, which is located in BC.

Abundance on the west coast and shortages in the east

At this time of year, North American blueberry production comes from the west coast of the United States, as well as the east coast. West Coast production is strong right now with peak volumes in California. However, on the East Coast, the blueberry harvest is ending and North Carolina is off to a slow start. «As a result of strong demand from the East Coast combined with lower supply, we are starting to see more fruit heading east from California«explains Messent. «This is keeping the market strong. Once North Carolina begins and the Rabbiteye cranberry harvest begins in Georgia, the situation should stabilize«. Right now, half-liter containers barely cost more than $20. Larger packages are also reaching retailers, including 900 gram and 500 gram clamshells. «When production begins in the CB and in New Jersey in June, the prices will be very energetic and there will be great promotions of blueberries«Adds Messent.

Containers with thermosealed

Last year, CFP introduced a new heat-sealed packaging. The base is the same as traditional clamshells, but the lid is a heat-sealed plastic film. It is a resealable container. «This new cap reduces the need for plastic in a 30 percent«says Messent.

Source: Freshplaza