The small South African market is receiving an unusually large quantity of blueberries this season, fruit that has been grown for export, causing the price on the domestic market to plummet to an average of 12 rand (0,65 euros) per kilo. .

These prices represent an abrupt drop from previous prices. The previous minimum price, reached in December of last year, was still double the current one. The domestic market is so small that some agricultural economists wonder if such high prices in the retail that are not realistic could be hampering local demand.

Air cargo shortages and delays in the cold chain
There is a shortage of air cargo space from South Africa, which is causing delays in the cold chain and, given the oversupply in Europe due to high volumes from Peru, some blueberry producers decide to take the less risky local route of sale, although it generates less income.

The intense early rains in some regions of northern South Africa have complicated the situation: they have had a detrimental effect on the quality of shelf life in some areas, making blueberries unsuitable for sea travel to the northern hemisphere.

In the words of a producer, some of the fruit affected by the rain and sold in the national market "does not do good publicity for the berries South African. Normally, our quality is much better.”

In addition, the cold in the north has reduced the export estimate by a thousand tons.