After several years of declining production, South Africa's blueberry business is poised for growth again. President of Berries ZA, Herman van Dyk, said the industry expects good volumes when the peak season arrives in the next two months.

The Western Cape remains the country's main production region, and the industry's success this season will be determined between now and January.

"It was a difficult few years," van Dyk confirmed. "Smaller producers left the sector, and we lost some volume."

"However, we are now back to normal and expect increased demand."

The local South African market has developed strongly in recent years.

"Peru has had some problems in recent years, and we've benefited from them," he continued. "However, that country has recovered production, and we'll have to see how this affects us.

“There is now greater international demand for our blueberries,” van Dyk explained.

"Given that Peru is a major exporter to the United States, higher tariffs from that country could impact this trade."

Peru's new rate on the United States will be 10 percent, and reports indicate that exporters from the South American country will increasingly target China, India, and Indonesia to avoid the higher tariffs.

Van Dyk said this could affect some of South Africa's markets.

Last year, South Africa exported around 22.000 tonnes of blueberries, with the UK and Europe being the main destinations.

Domestically, the country has also extended its marketing season, with some varieties ripening earlier in the north of the country.

"We have different climate regions, and that's benefiting our supply," he noted.

The industry still faces challenges, one of which is greater market access. This is particularly true in India, China, and some other Eastern markets.

“The pace at which Peru is increasing its production is a challenge,” van Dyk said. “They are and will continue to be our direct competition, and we can't afford to lose market access.”

 Herman van Dyk

Meanwhile, price levels are now better than they were three years ago.

"We're a young industry with a lot of growth potential," he added. "We must remember that blueberries haven't been around that long and that there are many regions in our country where we can grow them."

“It is very important to maintain our position as a quality producer.”