The current blueberry market is characterized by its diversity and the many origins of the fruit. «Supply from Serbia and Romania is accelerating, while the last Spanish lots, as well as merchandise from Italy and Portugal, are reaching the market. Since week 25, the first batches of German tunnel production have also begun to arrive, and in a few days we also expect the first open field batches of the Duke variety. The assortment will be completed within one to two weeks with the first shipments from Poland,” says Christiaan Koellreuter, CEO of the North German trading company Nordgemüse Krogmann, about the current supply situation.

Unlike last year, Koellreuter continues, all the main producing regions in Europe are harvesting at full capacity. «We expect an increase in the harvest of 15 to 20% in Germany compared to last year. Also in Serbia, Romania and Poland there are high forecasts in terms of yield and the quality is expected to be very good. "From what is known right now, we are also expecting an above-average harvest in South Africa, so a good supply situation can be expected until the end of the year." To avoid surpluses, Koellreuter predicts that this year, in close collaboration with retailers, more larger containers, measuring around 750 grams and 1 kilo, will circulate on the market.

Prices slightly lower than last year
The start of the season in Germany has been characterized by high demand. Koellreuter assures “that the demand for high-quality blueberries is especially high, since the quality of the last Spanish batches was not very remarkable, partly due to the heat. However, the Spanish season is being surprisingly long this year. Normally, the supply of Spanish blueberries is usually low already at the end of May. As for the Serbian product, the main variety supplied right now is the Duke. "Most Serbian production is marketed for two weeks, so it is often inevitable to have to lower prices to speed up marketing."

In general, prices in the last two months have been quite weak, according to Koellreuter. "Price lows were recorded after Easter, but they have since recovered to some extent, so we are now slightly below last year's level." Blueberry growers are also facing rising costs, while commercial prices tend to move in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, this is making some blueberry growers in Germany fear for their livelihood. Among other reasons, because German merchandise is not achieving the best prices. Therefore, we recommend that growers market their products through various channels – between 70% and 80% through us and between 20% and 30% through direct marketing – to facilitate the establishment of a healthy purchasing structure.

German blueberries on the rise
As in other European countries, the early Duke variety remains the standard blueberry on the German crop market. 'In the near future, however, other characteristics will be in demand, such as suitability for mechanical harvesting methods. For late varieties, on the other hand, I see less growth potential, as Poland puts more and more pressure on the market with its volumes in the second half of the season. Normally, the German main crop is marketed until mid-October, and then the German supply is much more limited.

Although he does not have specific figures, Koellreuter observes a growing interest in blueberries on the part of producers. 'Southern Germany has also recognized the potential of blueberry production and is supplying increasingly larger quantities; something that is clearly being felt in wholesale markets. Fortunately, we also have plants in the southern German region, so we are in an excellent position also in this segment.”

Blueberries of first quality throughout the year
Nordgemüse Krogmann has achieved a high level of recognition in the classic wholesale market with its brand premium Die dicken Blauen. Koellreuter says: “We currently have the capacity to supply high-quality blueberries – in bulk or in cardboard trays – to our select buyers in the wholesale markets all year round. "The customer rewards this superior quality by paying a good price."