“We are now exiting the shortest supply window of the year,” explains an industry representative. He refers to the intervening period in which Chilean production has ended and national production is beginning. Florida's harvest began last month and is currently reaching its peak. The Sunshine State has had a mild winter resulting in good growing conditions for the crop. "In general, this year the national market will not even come close to the volumes it usually has," he points out. "Georgia and North Carolina, two important blueberry states, have suffered devastating crop losses due to frost."

Retail prices will be less aggressive

Production in Georgia, one of the largest blueberry-producing states, is expected to be reduced by around 60-70 percent due to frost in March. Georgia's season usually begins on April 15 and lasts until July 1. It is estimated that North Carolina will lose 50-70 percent to frost. In this State, the harvest begins in mid-May and also lasts until July 1. According to sources in the sector, the frost will cause a productive vacuum between May 15 and June 10. «In that period of time, we will not have the expected volume. As a result, we will not see the aggressive retail pricing that we normally see this time of year. I'm still hoping for a very good summer, but we have to get through the next couple of months », he warns.

Source: Freshplaza.es