Peruvian blueberry harvest volumes have returned to normal levels and exports are also increasing, thus returning to normality on the global blueberry market. This year, Chinese producers are enjoying ideal weather conditions and the taste of blueberries has improved. As for the South African season, which will end soon, exports have grown by 7%. In North America, more blueberry quantities are expected in 2025. Right now, supplies are shifting from Peru to Mexico and Chile.

Germany has seen an increase in Peruvian supplies, with demand being quieter during the Christmas season, and more product is now starting to arrive from Morocco. In Austria, blueberry prices are high. In Italy, Peruvian supplies dominate, with very high prices for its top-grade blueberries. Belgium is facing a lack of supply due to delays from Peru and Chile. In the Netherlands, the blueberry market remains fragile. The season in Spain has had an early start. In the UK, supplies from Peru and South Africa are starting to be replaced by those from other origins. The Moroccan season has started with reduced demand on the market. In Egypt, many companies are investing in the blueberry sector. Blueberry exports from India are growing steadily.

Spain: Surface area increases by 4%. Volumes are still limited at the moment
Blueberries, whose surface area has grown by 4% this campaign, are consolidating their position as the second most important red fruit in the province of Huelva, having reached 3.744 hectares. The first harvests, with very limited quantities, began in November. Varietal diversification allows harvesting to begin in December, to be more competitive with South American productions and to enjoy a greater presence in emerging European markets. However, there is growing competition from third countries, especially for spring productions. At the moment, blueberry production in Huelva is still limited, but is increasing little by little with each passing day. On the other hand, production from countries in the southern hemisphere continues to dominate the markets. Spanish blueberry production will begin to be significant from March onwards.

Peru: Exports increase with the extension of the harvest season
Peru has established itself as the world leader in blueberry exports and expects a total volume of 323.928 tons for the 2024-2025 campaign. This growth is the result of a comprehensive strategy that combines market diversification, a commitment to quality and adaptation to consumer demands. A crucial aspect of this success has been the evolution of the distribution of certified hectares by blueberry variety.

Changes in blueberry varieties in Peru
In the last 10 years, the blueberry sector in Peru has achieved surprising growth. In 2016, the country had almost 2.000 hectares planted. By the end of 2024, the number of hectares certified for export was already around 20.000. What is most interesting is that 80% of these hectares correspond to nine varieties: Ventura, Biloxi, Sekoya Pop, Rocío, Mágica, Atlasblue, Emerald, Rosita and Sekoya Beauty. This contrasts markedly with the situation a decade ago, when 80% of production corresponded to just two varieties: Biloxi and Rocío. This progress reflects not only the diversification in terms of varieties, but also the effort to adopt innovative genetic programs that ensure quality and competitiveness in the world market.

The distribution of certified hectares reflects how the sector has adapted to meet the demands of the global market. In 2016, the Biloxi variety dominated with 58% of certified hectares, but its share has decreased to 16% today, thus giving way to more competitive varieties adapted to new consumer trends.

Currently, the Ventura variety, which stands out for its high productivity and acceptance in international markets, leads with 26% of certified hectares. It is followed by the Sekoya Pop, known for its high quality and resistance; an emerging variety that occupies 14% of the certified surface area. This change in the distribution of varieties is a clear consequence of the innovation that characterizes the sector.

South Africa: Blueberry exports up 7%
The South African season is not yet officially over. Exports up to the end of week 1 are up 7% compared to the same period last year, standing at just over 22.500 tonnes. The final export figure should be available in mid-February. Frosts in several areas of the country reduced the potential export volume by between 2.500 and 3.000 tonnes. In terms of quality, it has been a very satisfactory campaign, with very few problems with arrivals.

“We are quite satisfied with the results for 2024,” says a Western Cape blueberry grower, who also notes that global blueberry supply is characterised by periods of notable shortages followed, in his view, by periods of oversupply when the harvest starts in Peru. The impact in South Africa, and especially in the Western Cape, of Peru’s escalating blueberry production has been underestimated, the grower continues, and the current market dynamics are a reality they are having to deal with.

Some Western Cape blueberry farms are on the brink of becoming unprofitable, but South Africa’s northern neighbour Zimbabwe is benefiting from an earlier supply season. The Zimbabwean sector is growing faster than any other country.

South African blueberries enjoy a very similar market share to previous years, with trade concentrated mainly in the UK and EU. Starting from small volumes, there have been increases of 15% and 20% respectively in shipments to the Middle East and Far East, which has been welcomed by an industry keen to diversify.

The pest risk assessment required for South African blueberries to enter India is still ongoing. Thailand could also open its market to South African blueberries in the not-too-distant future. The trade body BerriesZA is looking ahead to the International Blueberry Organisation summit in South Africa in September. It will also be looking to close further participation deals at Fruit Logistica in Berlin.

North America expects more blueberries in 2025
Blueberry supplies are expected to remain stable until the first quarter of 2025. Overall, production forecasts for 2025 point to a slight increase compared to 2024.

At the moment, blueberries are coming from Mexico, Peru and Chile, with Mexican production expected to remain stable through the first quarter of this year. Peruvian production is declining, with the last shipments arriving in mid-January. Chilean imports are taking off, with good volumes through early March. Peak volumes are expected in mid-January for conventional blueberries, with organic batches arriving every two weeks starting in late January.

The Oxnard, California, organic blueberry harvest will begin in mid-January, with volumes expected to peak in early March. On the other hand, the increased industrial supply expected this year is intended to satisfy the growing consumption of blueberries. However, the increasing volumes of fruit raise the need to boost demand through aggressive planning and promotional initiatives. Industry associations and marketers are addressing this trend. Research suggests that there is room for growth even in established markets such as the United States, where almost half of households still consume no or very little blueberries.

Germany: Peru volumes up, demand quieter
Shortly before Christmas, Peruvian blueberries were met with increased supplies and a calmer market due to the weather. Blueberries from Morocco gained some ground during the second week.

Austria: High prices for blueberries
Austrian wholesalers are currently selling blueberries at rather high prices. The overseas product from Argentina and Peru is priced at 11,60 Euro/kg. Moroccan fruit is starting to be available in specialist shops at between 5 and 6,50 Euro/kg.

Italy: Peruvian supply dominates with very high prices
Prices for top-quality Peruvian blueberries, the only ones available at the moment, are currently at 15,50 Euro per pack on the main Italian wholesale markets.

According to data from the YouGov Permanent Consumer Panel Observatory, Italian households are increasingly buying blueberries, with a 30% growth in just two years. According to the most recent data (up to November 2024), almost 29% of Italian households (over 7,5 million households) bought blueberries at least once a year. Despite the increase in the number of blueberry buyers, the frequency of purchase remains stable: about six times a year, with an average price per purchase of about €3,30 and a quantity of about 250 grams, the most popular format.

An interesting fact is the growing presence of blueberries in discount stores, a sector in which the product has experienced a notable expansion. The share of discount stores has risen from 9% to 13% in two years, a surprising result considering that blueberries are not a cheap product and are difficult to handle.

Belgium: Lack of supply due to delays from Peru and Chile
Blueberry supplies remain tight due to a lack of arrivals from Peru, South Africa's withdrawal from the market and delays at European ports that have affected Chilean blueberries. However, supplies are expected to be sufficient again from week 4. Spain and Morocco are still present in the market, although with lower volumes and different prices.

Netherlands: Fragility in the soft fruit market
In the Netherlands, the outbreak of hepatitis linked to contamination of frozen Polish blueberries continues to cause concern. However, some fruit growers are optimistic and believe that this could even stimulate demand for fresh blueberries.

«In 2024, we have seen that the blueberry market remains fragile. Shortages cause large price increases that the market is willing to pay. On the other hand, the retail "They take advantage of any surplus to drive down prices quickly and almost without restraint, as this allows them to recoup some money," says a Dutch berry trader. "The recent Peruvian season, which is now coming to an end, got off to a slow start, but by mid-season large volumes began to arrive on the European market. The desired total volume was reached, but a better distribution of the supply would have been appreciated."

“The first arrivals of Chilean blueberries for the 2025 season are showing excellent quality. This is due to the fact that Chilean producers have not had to deal with any excess rain or frost in this year’s pre-season. Large volumes will continue to arrive over the next two weeks, although volumes from Chile will then decline rapidly for those who have not prepared well. Fortunately, it looks like the Moroccan season will start earlier and more gradually than in recent years, so the transition period should be easier to manage.”

«At the moment, the fruit is selling well, with supply and demand at very reasonable levels for this time of year. The key now is for all of us to ensure that the Chilean producer receives a fair price and that we do not rush to lower prices for the retail"Quality has a price, and that price must be paid," the trader concludes.

United Kingdom: Transition from Peru and South Africa to other suppliers
For the past few months, Peru, along with South Africa, has dominated the UK's blueberry supply. However, the market is now transitioning to produce from Chile, Morocco and Spain.

The quality of Peruvian blueberries has generally been very good, better than in previous years. There are always some problems when fruit is transported by sea, but Peru seems to have focused quite a bit on quality to compensate for last year's poor availability and perhaps to consolidate its position as the most important source during the northern hemisphere winter. South African blueberries have enjoyed a good showing in the retail this year.

The first blueberries from Chile have arrived this week and Morocco has just started, Spain is also already on the market, but with very high prices and limited availability.

For now, the quality of Chilean blueberries is variable. Fruit arriving in tubs is good, both in terms of flavour and size. The quality of bulk fruit is more variable, but this is something that can happen when containers spend four weeks at sea and also depends on the type of controlled atmosphere system that shippers have chosen to use. The early Spanish and Moroccan season has already started, but the cold has slowed production and prices are high, although supply will improve in a couple of weeks.

Morocco: The campaign has started with little demand in the market
In Morocco, producers are in their second week of harvesting. The first data indicate good quality and good sizes. At this stage of the season, there is not much demand for Moroccan blueberries due to competition from Peru and Chile. However, Moroccan exporters are managing to reach Asia, the Gulf countries and Russia. At the moment, between 80 and 100 tons of blueberries are leaving Morocco per week. The harvest will reach its peak in February, coinciding with the drop in yields in Chile and Peru.

Egypt: Many companies are turning to the blueberry sector
In Egypt, technical and commercial trials are underway as the sector becomes more attractive to producers. One of these producers says: “This season we carried out a first trial for blueberry production. In June we planted an area of ​​six hectares and have just harvested the first crops. The result was a success for 95% of the pots, with a good yield and good quality fruit.” Many companies are turning to this sector, including foreign investors.

India: Blueberry exports growing at a good pace
Blueberries grown in India are mainly destined for the domestic market, but there is increasing interest in exports. Most blueberries are sold in local markets, including APMC wholesale markets across India, making the product equally accessible to consumers in large cities and smaller towns. As for the export market, Indian blueberries are mainly shipped to the Middle East, South East Asia and occasionally to Europe. These regions have shown interest in Indian-grown blueberries, especially licensed varieties, which are sold at competitive prices compared to Western countries. However, the volume of blueberry exports remains small compared to the volume of domestic consumption. In recent years, the area under blueberry cultivation has seen significant growth.

China: The taste of this year's blueberries has benefited from good weather
Blueberries grown in Guangdong benefit from freshness and lower transportation costs thanks to their proximity to major sales destinations, with a constantly expanding plantation area.

Guangdong blueberries are grown mainly in greenhouses with plastic substrates. Due to climatic conditions, the main marketing period is from January to March, and sales are going smoothly during this time. At the beginning of the production season, volumes are lower, and in February and March they reach their maximum levels.

This growing region has enjoyed favourable weather conditions for blueberry cultivation. There has been abundant sunlight during the day and notable temperature differences between morning and evening. These factors have contributed to improved growing conditions, resulting in improved flavour and quality compared to last year.

As for the current market situation, although domestic sales of blueberries are performing well, prices are lower than those of the same period last year. In January last year, imported blueberries dominated the market, with limited supply from Chinese producers. At present, imported blueberries from Peru and Chile are competing with a larger supply of domestic blueberries from various Chinese production areas. This increased supply has pushed prices down.

Chinese blueberries have a clear advantage when it comes to flavour and freshness. However, as they are still in the initial phase of production, their supply is still limited, which has led to an increase in prices. The relatively low price of imported blueberries also influences domestic sales.