Summary of the global blueberry market
The cranberry campaign is now starting in the northern countries. East European growers suffered some frost damage in the spring, but the general trend remains positive. In the Netherlands and Belgium, demand exceeds supply and this situation seems to be repeated in most countries. In the United States alone, merchants are noticing summer fruit competition. In Latin America, producers are waiting for the start of the season, which usually occurs around September. Although the United States and Europe are important markets, more and more producers are turning their eyes to the Middle East and Asia.
Poland expects a smaller harvest, but good
Spring frosts damaged the crop. Thus, the volume will decrease from 10% to 30% compared to last year. Producers are satisfied with the quality of the berries and the sizes are larger. The main markets for blueberries are in Europe, with the United Kingdom, Ireland and Germany being the first destinations. In addition, exporters are finding new markets in Asia, especially Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. “This year, we also plan to export to India”says a trader. The fact that Polish merchants are betting heavily on the Asian market is also evidenced by the presence of exporters in the fairs of the continent. The demand for blueberries is growing, but consumer requirements are increasingly demanding. Supermarkets also place more and more emphasis on ethical aspects.
Romania is a small producer, but it is growing
Although the country is still a small producer of blueberries, the volume is increasing. In recent years, several investments have been made in cultivation. Different experts see a good future in the cultivation of blueberries in Romania. Currently, most of the plantations have between 10 and 40 hectares, but there are expansion plans to reach the 100 hectares. The total area is modest, 300 hectares, but in the next few years they could become 1.500. The fact that the sector consists mainly of small producers makes exporting to large customers complicated. In addition, most of the production is bought by a single party, which also limits the possibilities.
Netherlands: Demand outstrips supply at the start of the season
The Dutch blueberry season has started with excellent market conditions. The producers say that it is an unprecedented start to the season with a demand that exceeds supply. Although many blueberries are usually kept in cold rooms, they are now empty. According to the producers, this could cause extreme shortages later in the season. Like the Dutch producers, the countries that reached the market before the Netherlands were affected by frost. As a result, stocks ran out and Dutch blueberries reached an empty market. The production volumes in the Netherlands, therefore, are also lower. Due to the extreme heat, many species have experienced an accelerated maturation. The shortage is such that blueberries are imported from the United States, but according to the Dutch, their quality is doubted.
Although the growth of blueberry sales in supermarkets has remained at around 20% for years, the pace has been reduced now and sales rose by 12% last year. The producers expect this growth to reach a ceiling at some point. Another challenge is finding enough seasonal workers to collect the berries. The economy also works that people have many alternatives. The producers wonder if they will be able to find the necessary labor.
Belgium: Heat reduces volumes
The season in Belgium has begun, but the volumes are smaller than expected. The heat of the last few weeks has caused a very rapid maturation, but the calibres have not developed at the same pace. This has resulted in smaller blueberries and fewer kilos available.
Domestic production is completed by imports from, among others, Portugal, although these volumes are lower. The Polish season is starting little by little, but also with smaller volumes than usual. Large volumes are not expected until the 31 week. In addition, it is also imported from Romania.
In France there is a shortage since mid-June
Since mid-June, the market has been suffering from a shortage of blueberries. Traders see that demand is rising across Europe, but supply is also rising rapidly. A retailer says that prices were already low before the shortage period.
Spain: The harvest is abundant, but labor is lacking
The significant increase in production, the low prices paid and the shortage of collectors have been the most determining factors of the season in Huelva, which is coming to an end. The area under cultivation in Spain has increased by 30% and is located in 2.538 hectares, which is almost half of the area dedicated to strawberries, with more than 5.000 hectares. The volume has grown by 60% and the harvest has been especially remarkable in April and May. June statistics show that 33.000 tons were sold that month, although prices fell by 27%. The market was practically empty between February and April, since the Chilean campaign ended earlier. Since the second week of May, production has increased, among other things, by the increase in temperatures, which has resulted in the volume harvested in 3 weeks is similar to that used to be harvested in 5 weeks. As a result, prices are under pressure. It has also been difficult to find collectors for this period. The shortage of labor is a serious problem for the companies of Huelva this year. Since the blueberry crop coincides with that of strawberries, raspberries, citrus fruits and early stone fruits, there is a lot of work for so few people. Companies are investing in machinery, automation and storage facilities.
There are still many plantations in Huelva that are not fully productive, so the production of the province is expected to increase in the coming seasons. However, the expansion of the cultivated area seems to have reached a certain stability. Europe and Scandinavia are the main destinations of Spanish blueberries. Asia and the Middle East are emerging markets.
Italy aims to produce all year round
The season has started in Trentino with the harvest of a large cooperative. It is unknown for sure what will be the extent of the damage caused by frost this year. “On average, we expect production to be reduced by 10%, but there are producers who have lost everything“explains a trader. Regarding the quality, the producers are satisfied. The season lasts until mid-October. In recent years, investment has been made in new varieties, but also in cultivating further south, in Sicily and Calabria. These expansions have made it possible to extend the season and are motivated by an ambitious plan to allow Italy to grow blueberries year-round.
The heat reduces the volume harvested in Greece
The region of Tripoli and the Peloponnese are facing problems due to the high temperatures recorded. One producer explains that a smaller volume is expected because of this heat. The harvest begins in July and continues in August. The same producer says that exports will be impossible this season due to the reduction in volume. Most of the demand comes from the largest cities.
Australia sets its sights on China
The season runs from June to April. The market value (at the plantation gate) is 120 million Australian dollars (81,6 million euros). The domestic market absorbs an 75% of production. Around one 10% is exported to Asia and Europe, and the remaining 15% goes to the industry, which freezes most.
Last year, the country had the largest harvest in its history, with a total of 11.000 tons. As a result, producers increased their exports, especially to China, where the market is growing rapidly. Although it is still early, it is said that both quality and prices are good.
The stone fruit competes with blueberries in the US market
With the start of the harvest in British Columbia, volumes have increased in the market. A dealer based in California has confirmed this trend. The harvest has also begun in Oregon, Washington, Michigan and the Midwest. Meanwhile, the season is ending in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and California.
The demand for blueberries is good, but the market is feeling the impact of competition from other summer fruits. Since blueberries are available year-round, consumers are now more attracted to peaches, nectarines and cherries.
Canada: The harvest has begun in British Columbia
The harvest in British Columbia has just begun. Due to the cold winter, the harvest started two weeks later than usual. “All regions have started later this year, but the truth is that it is a fairly normal year. This is how it should be“says a trader. The blueberries are not affected by cold winters, according to the traders, so the quality is very good. Volumes are around 20% lower than last year. It is difficult to estimate the exact figures, because the season has only just begun.
Mexico sees export opportunities in Europe
The season will not start until October. Although most of the volumes are destined to the US markets and the national market, there is also room to export to Europe. Although it coincides with the seasons of Peru, Argentina and Chile, these countries focus on other markets. The United States is a good market with huge demand.
Argentina expects to enter China
Investments have been made to improve the classification of the fruit. The aspects you want to focus on are caliber, color, firmness and defects. The season starts in September and lasts until November. Regarding exports, there are opportunities for overseas overseas. A trader explains that they exported the first batch by sea last year. The results were so good that more volumes are going to be sent this year. China is a new destination. The market has not yet opened, but exporters expect the documents to be signed in the coming months. In addition, the country has a good connection with the Middle East and the Far East. Singapore and Dubai arrive with a daily flight. The traditional markets are Europe, Canada and the United States.
Peru predicts strong growth
Last year, the country's blueberry exports were valued at approximately 250 million dollars. The forecasts point to an export volume of one billion dollars for 2021. The country exported more than 24.000 tons of blueberries and this volume is projected to amount to 120.000 tons in 2021. Agriculture is an important pillar of the economy. In regions with many crops, unemployment is zero.
To bring this huge volume to the market, the sector needs a set-up. Studies show that the market can manage 10.000 tons per week. Ideally, between the 60 and 70% should be on the market between September and November. The rest will arrive in the following months. Although countries such as Uruguay, Argentina and Chile compete in terms of volume, the Peruvian sector especially fears the quality of Mexico's berries. The country has reached an agreement with neighboring Chile for the export of blueberries.
Source: Freshplaza
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