The blueberry season in South Africa is progressing with clear signs of strengthening: increased volume and good quality, driven by favorable weather, improvements in production management, and varietal renewal that is boosting yields and enhancing the consumer experience. According to Brent Walsh, CEO of Berries ZA, the country is consolidating its position as the UK and the European Union as its primary export markets, while accelerating its expansion into growing markets such as the UAE and making progress in securing market access for India and, in the future, China.

How has the South African blueberry season evolved in terms of production?

Brent Walsh: From a production standpoint, it's been a very positive year. Production increased and the quality was good, for a variety of reasons.

Last year we had really favorable weather, without any extreme frosts that significantly affected our production, as can sometimes happen. For example, the previous year we lost between 10 and 15 percent of our production due to frost, which was quite significant.

We benefit from improved production methodologies and genetics as the orchards mature. The orchards are being managed better, and yields per hectare are improving. This translates into better production figures.

What improvements have there been thanks to the new varieties?

BW: South Africa has had access to global genetics for some time now, and we have seen in recent years that those who adopted early genetics —before the major advances of the last five, six or seven years— are replacing crops with new varieties, eliminating them, or leaving the industry to pursue something else.

Overall, we have found a net balance of movement in terms of hectares and production.

I believe that each year there's a higher percentage of newer genetics, and by their very nature, one can expect higher yields, better quality, better packaging, better fruit upon arrival, and a better flavor experience. That's the whole concept of the genetic development process.

It's difficult to put an exact figure on the percentage of those increases that are due to genetic variety or other factors, but it certainly plays a role.

Where are your key markets and what are the prospects for opening up new ones?

BW: Between the UK and the EU, that represents about 80 percent of our exports, with 40 percent each (with variations of a couple of points). This fluctuates slightly each year.

We've seen massive growth in the UAE last year, from 1.627 tons to 2.630 tons, a year-on-year increase of 62 percent. Starting from a small base, this market has grown slowly but surely in recent years, and we believe volumes will be quite significant going forward.

While we will always supply our traditional markets, the growth in production likely means we will have volumes destined for exporting regions in East Africa.

For example, our marketing application for India is nearing completion and we expect to have access for our next export season.

So, the next big market we want to be in is China. They're currently working on securing market access for South African stone fruit and cherries, and once that's done, we'll move forward with the protocol for blueberries.