The overseas blueberry season has started with the first exports of Peruvian product. According to Edwin Droogendijk, from the Dutch company TripleF Fruit, the South American season, like the European one, can be very special this year

“As long as Asia continues to pay high prices, as is now the case for the Peruvian product, there is a possibility that fewer volumes will reach the EU. In addition, COVID-19 continues to exert its influence on the market, not so much at the crop or harvest level, but due to the tightening of the measures in the packing stations”, says Edwin.

“However, the market is now quite balanced. Poland is ending its season, as are Germany and the Netherlands. In the Netherlands there are still a few batches of blueberries in storage, but not many compared to previous years. Are berries they are being dispatched for good prices, around 7-7,50 euros per kilo”.

“Romania, like us in the Netherlands, had a short season with extreme weather events, from a heat wave to torrential rain. Portugal ended a while ago, so the berries Peruvians arrive just in time. We expect our next ship from Peru on September 12,” says the importer.

"It is expected that next week (week 38) around 1.900 tons of Peruvian blueberries will enter the European market and approximately the same volume in week 39. In week 40 the volume will increase to 2.500 tons and in week 41 it will reach 2.700 tons. The peak will be in week 43 with 4.100 tons, that is, 216 containers”, sums up Edwin.

“But since Asia is paying high prices, many Peruvian exporters are opting for this destination and have left the EU as a plan B. Normally, Peruvian blueberry exports are divided between approximately 50% to the US, 30% % to Europe, 15% to Asia and 5% to other destinations. Now it looks like 30% is going to Asia and only 15% is going to Europe, although these are just estimates. The real figure will probably be close to 25%,” says Edwin.

“South Africa is also targeting the Asian and English markets, so Peru will soon need the European market to be able to ship the expected export volume of 165.000 tons. At the moment, Peru is still thinking of supplying approximately 60.000 tonnes to the EU and the UK (together)."

“Blueberries are gaining more and more convenience status in the Netherlands, so the demand will certainly continue. However, Peru expects a high profitability of its exports to the EU in the coming weeks, but it remains to be seen if this is possible”, concludes the importer.