“It's towards the end of the season in Peru, so blueberry volume is normal at this time of year,” says Tony Biondo of Trucco Inc. in Vineland NJ. "Peru definitely sent more fruit this year than ever."

Logistics issues could also contribute to the lower volumes currently available. “Since COVID, transportation has not been normal. Everything is priced higher and there are always container delays at the port. Los Angeles is worse than the east coast, but there are also delays on the east coast of about a week, ”says Biondo.

While volume typically drops around this time of year, Biondo notes that the difference is significant compared to even a month ago.

Average demand

Meanwhile, the demand is softer. “Consumers are not normally used to blueberries in winter, but in countries like Peru and Mexico there are large volumes throughout the year. And there is a lot of volume available, even in winter, ”he says.

In turn, the market has been depressed for at least the last two months. “But he's starting to get a lot better. Last week he started to improve and will do so gradually. By the first of the year it will probably be around $ 20, ”says Biondo.

Meanwhile, Chile is underway with its blueberry season. “We are receiving our first shipments in week 51 and we have a good schedule through April,” he says. “I think the Chilean harvest is a medium harvest. But the quality is very good ”. Promotable volumes should start in mid-January.