Demand for Mexican berries exceeds supply
The blueberry and blackberry seasons in Mexico are ending and the producers are preparing for the end of the harvest, which will be in a month. Shortages of blackberries are expected from now until the end of May, due to a reduction in plant yields due to producers who do not replace older plants.
"We are very close to the end of the season“says Gerardo López, from Berry Lovers. “There are between five and six weeks between harvest and shipment, and the season will start again in October, when the rainy season ends".
"So far it was a fairly stable season for blackberries. However, now we face an unexpected shortage that will last until the end of the season. Therefore, the usual peak will not occur and we expect a strong market for the last four or five weeks of the season. Many suppliers of blackberries are independent producers, and have not replaced much of the old and tired plants that do not produce as much fruit".
Blueberries
Mexican blueberries also follow seasonal changes, therefore, as the rainy season arrives, blueberries are expected to end. For Berry Lovers, it has been his first big crop and Lopez has expressed that the season has been very positive.
"The blueberry season is also running out“he points out. “April will be the last month with large volumes, as production will be reduced by half in May, as the rainy season approaches. It has been our first big harvest and Berry Lovers has produced 550 tons so far. We are very happy with the results of our first great season and the acceptance of our berries has been very good. The berries produced in Mexico are gaining popularity and we have been able to compete with Florida in the US markets. UU and Canada".
The demand of the United Kingdom increases
A significant part of the Berry Lovers cranberries produced in Mexico has been sent to the United Kingdom. According to López, the demand for blueberries is very high, there is a lot of space in the market for producers in Mexico.
"We ship blueberries to the UK in bulk, where they are repackaged according to the preferences of each retailer. Demand in the UK has grown at such a rapid rate that Chile and Peru have not been able to meet it. Air shipments from our program will continue next season".
Planning for next season
Lopez points out that the popularity of blueberries in Mexico has increased and consumers are showing their tendency towards Mexican berries. Berry Lovers is already preparing for the demand of the United Kingdom next season.
"The blueberries of Mexico are now compared with those of Peru, although there is a preference for the berries of Mexico", says Lopez. “As UK demand has been very good, Berry Lovers is planning the program for next season, both by sea and by air. We hope to start in December".
Source: FreshPlaza
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