The consumption of fresh blueberries, raspberries and blackberries will grow an 7% a year until 2021
Many EU countries could follow in the footsteps of the US, where berries have emerged as the largest fresh produce retail food category, ahead of major staples such as apples and oranges. According to the latest Rabobank report 'Burgeoning & Blossoming: The Bar is Raised in the Promising EU Berry Market', only the sky seems to be the limit in the berry sector on the European continent.
Thanks to their image of healthy products, these products have managed to capture the interest of consumers. The demand for fresh berries in the US has been increasing, and place them as the category of highest value fresh products in retail stores, with more than 5.600 million. Rabobank expects European consumption volumes to continue to grow, and estimates that fresh blueberries, raspberries and blackberries will grow at least 7% per year in the next five years, while strawberry consumption will grow by almost 2% at year.
The main food retailers in the EU demand a wide offer throughout the year, with high-end products and fruits of high quality, and the sector is up to par. "Investments that are being made in new varieties and efficient and sustainable production methods are essential"Says Cindy van Rijswick, Fruit and Vegetable Analyst at Rabobank. "Aspects such as greater availability, greater promotion, improvements in the quality and efficiency of the supply chain, which results in lower retail prices, could also help to further boost the demand for berries in the EU."
Strawberries
Strawberries are and will continue to be the main and most mature market within the category of berries. The sector is changing, from a very fragmented and local business model to a more intensive one that expands the productive window and seeks the highest quality.
Blueberries
The year-round demand for high quality blueberries is growing particularly fast, boosting both imports and local production in the EU countries.
Raspberries and blackberries
The successful introduction of new varieties and better planting materials are important for the European raspberry and blackberry industry. A reorientation of the approach, which seeks to supply the markets throughout the year, and bets on sweeter varieties, of greater caliber and firmness, has helped to reactivate this segment.
Other berries
In addition to the main commercialized types, there are dozens of other berries, including blueberries, red and black currants, berries, currants ... Although they are not expected to occupy such a prominent position in the supermarkets, they can be interesting as a complement to the seasonal products.
Source: Revistamercados.com
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