USA UU .: Bilberry industry grows and threats to producers arise

USA US: The cranberry industry grows and threats to producers arise

01/03/2016

The blueberry industry consultant John Shelford describes the growth of the industry as the "blue Wave" and raises the question of whether producers can withstand the onslaught or shipwreck. His advice is to manage the risks.

According to Shelford statistics, the production of Highbush blueberries ("cultivated") has grown and moved northwest.

In 1996, total production in the United States was 74 million kilos, the largest producer being the Great Lakes with 20 million, compared to 11 million kilos in Oregon and Washington.

Last year, the production was 322 million kilos, with 34 in Great Lakes and 89 in Oregon and Washington.

If British Columbia and California are also taken into account, the change from east to west is even more pronounced in that period, from 38 percent to 59 percent of total production.

The blueberry plantations continue at an energetic pace. Between 2007 and 2014, global plantations have increased at a combined annual rate of 10 percent.

In North America, the figure for that period was 8 percent. By the end of 2014, the surface of blueberries in North America reached a total of 58.127 hectares. All over the world, the total was 110.860 hectares.

Shelford does not see that the plantation is reduced, hence he issues a warning, as he sees numerous competitive threats for blueberry growers.

Wild blueberries have become a direct competitor to the Highbush.

Wild blueberries taste better and provide twice as many antioxidants as those grown, according to the trade group Wild Blueberries of North America.

In addition, Shelford says that population growth is slowing down in the United States, the most important market in the industry.

For now, consumer demand has been good and prices high, but Shelford predicts pressure on profitability for US blueberry producers.

Shelford challenges producers to strengthen their businesses by taking several steps, such as cost containment, food safety, strong marketing and putting the accent on quality.

Source: Goodfruit.com