The global markets of blueberries These seasons are marked by weather-related quality issues, an irregular supply, and a gradually recovering production in the Northern Hemisphere. Heavy rains affected quality and shelf life during part of the Moroccan and Spanish seasons, while in North America, supply is improving as more domestic producing regions enter the season.

In Italy, consumption continues to grow during the peak seasonal production period, driven by improved quality and varietal renewal programs. In South Africa, limited supply at the start of the season has kept prices high, although volumes are expected to increase in the coming weeks.

Spain: The campaign has been delayed and its peak production is lower

The supply from Huelva has been limited until recently. The harvest has been significantly delayed overall due to adverse winter weather, resulting in a production deficit in both Spain and Morocco, although this has been offset by prices that have remained above last year's levels.

Varieties such as Snowchaser and Cupla fetched favorable prices for an extended period. Standard varieties also started later than expected, and the anticipated large volumes from Spain did not fully materialize. The season is extending somewhat longer than usual, and prices have remained firm. Whether the combination of higher prices and lower volumes will ultimately generate the expected returns for growers will become clearer in the coming weeks.

The common denominator throughout the season has been the impact of heavy rains during the initial production period. Berries have generally been softer and more delicate than in previous years, with higher levels of damaged fruit in shipments. As a result, shelf life has not reached the levels typically expected from Spanish and Moroccan produce. The season has once again highlighted the influence of weather conditions on production and quality.

Italy: Increasingly seasonal consumption

A major Italian producer and packer of blueberries With activity throughout the country, the report indicates that the average wholesale price of blueberries was around €11/kg in May. The blueberries currently sold on the Italian market come from the south of the country, mainly from Sicily and, to a lesser extent, from Calabria. Production consists primarily of the Ventura and Maldives varieties.

Production in Tuscany is expected to begin shortly, followed by Piedmont. In the Marche region, harvesting is planned for May and June, while in Trentino-Alto Adige it is expected to begin in the last weeks of June, with Duke being the first variety to be harvested.

The quality is better than in the same period last year, mainly due to abundant flowering, the absence of frost, and good plant yields. Furthermore, the varietal renewal program is producing very positive results.

According to YouGov data, 35% of Italian households buy blueberriesThe average purchase frequency has increased to 7,5 times per year, while the average spend per purchase now exceeds €3,60. The amount purchased per transaction is also increasing.

Consumption is also becoming increasingly seasonal. The period of greatest market penetration now spans about six months, from February to September, with a particularly marked peak between May and July, when penetration exceeds 13%.

Supermarkets remain the main retail channel, probably due to the delicate nature of the product, the packaging formats and its price positioning.

France: An early season with stable or increasing volumes is expected.

An early season is expected in France this year, with the harvest beginning this week. Peak harvesting is anticipated in mid-June and is expected to continue until early October. Spring weather conditions have been generally favorable, supporting expectations of good quality fruit. Production volumes are expected to remain stable or increase compared to last year.

Following an estimated harvest of around 4.000 tons in 2025, French blueberry production is expected to increase in 2026. Demand in the European market remains strong, with continued growth in consumption and high supply requirements. This market environment is expected to support increased French production volumes.

Netherlands: Rainfall affects the quality and shelf life of blueberries

Season blueberries The harvest from Morocco and Spain this year has been characterized by inconsistent quality throughout the entire season.

Between weeks 8 and 16, volumes from Morocco remained low. From then on, supply gradually increased, with larger volumes available at the end of last week and this week, allowing for the implementation and securing of retail programs from the market. Premium varieties failed to differentiate themselves significantly this season, while standard varieties appeared to experience fewer problems and showed greater consistency in the face of changing weather conditions. Overall, prices have been higher across the market. The market accepted these price levels to ensure product availability. Retailers tend to continue comparing prices to historical levels rather than current market dynamics.

Germany: Supply exceeds demand

Spain and Morocco currently dominate the German market. blueberryAlthough the Moroccan season is drawing to a close, Spain has recently experienced relatively high temperatures, leading to an increase in quality issues and a rise in retail returns.

The first ones are expected blueberries Romanian shipments arrive in mid-June, followed shortly after by the first shipments from southern Germany and Styria. In general, the cultivation of blueberries In Styria it continues to gain importance, and producers are increasingly focusing on newer varieties, such as Draper and Sekoya blueberries, while the Bluecrop variety is losing relevance.

North America: Improves the national offer

Offering blueberries In North America, the supply is stable and improving as more domestic producing regions enter the season. Currently, the supply comes from Mexico, Georgia, and California, contributing to more consistent availability. Mexico is maintaining stable volumes, Georgia experienced some weather difficulties at the beginning of the season, and California is moving toward a more robust harvest.

Overall, supply is slightly lower than at the same time last year, partly due to adverse weather conditions in the southeast at the beginning of 2026. However, volumes have improved as domestic production has increased. These initial difficulties, including frost in parts of the southeast, also contributed to a somewhat delayed start to the season this year.

Demand is moderate to good, so markets remain stable.

Meanwhile, the sector continues to focus on blueberry varieties with better size, firmness, flavor, shelf life, and overall organoleptic quality.

The supply is expected to continue improving, especially as production increases in California and more regions across the country come online. This should lead to greater availability and create more promotional opportunities.

South Africa: Price drops expected

Season blueberries The Zimbabwean harvest has begun while the South African harvest is still in its very early stages, resulting in a limited supply and, consequently, high local prices of between 177 rand (€9,3) and 200 rand (€10,5) per kilogram. Despite these currently high prices, they remain below the average of the last five years. Prices are expected to fall next week as volumes increase.

The volume of blueberries Domestic demand has been at the same level as the same month last year, while April volumes exceeded those of 2025. Severe flooding in the Western and Eastern Cape will undoubtedly impact available volumes this year, although the harvest in those regions is still several months away.

Last year, Europe was the main destination for the 25.600 tons of blueberries produced by South Africa, receiving 10.900 tons, followed closely by the United Kingdom. The Middle East received 3.250 tons, followed by the Far East with 1.600 tons. Exports to Russia fell by 36% to 10 tons during the last export season and were surpassed by exports to Africa, which increased from 3 to 30 tons during the season.

Egypt: Air freight costs remain a challenge for imported blueberries

Demand for blueberries The blueberry market in Egypt continues to grow, although logistical challenges remain a concern for the imported blueberry sector. Limited air freight availability and rising transport costs continue to impact supply schedules and prices.

According to market operators, the blueberries They require efficient cold chain management and rapid transport due to their sensitivity during transit. Maintaining competitive pricing remains a challenge while air freight capacity remains limited, especially since rising transport costs can impact affordability and future volume growth.

Despite these challenges, sales are expected to blueberries Production in Egypt is expected to increase by 60% this year, thanks to greater market awareness, favorable market conditions, and growing consumer interest. Market operators also anticipate that both quality and volumes will improve throughout the season as global supply programs are strengthened.

Peru: The peak of exports is extended by several weeks

The 2025/26 season closed with positive profitability despite adverse weather conditions in May and June. The peak export period (week 40) was extended by three to four weeks, which was favorable for the market. Lambayeque and La Libertad account for 75% of the volume, and Ica is growing as a new export region.

El Niño threatens the upcoming harvest: high temperatures are affecting the Ventura variety, potentially delaying the start by a month. Peru exports to the US (50%), Europe (30%), China (15%), and other markets (5%).

Mexico: Japan emerges as a key market

Mexico expects to close the season with increased production. The January-May window benefited from frosts in Florida and Huelva, Spain, and flooding in Morocco. Differentiation relies on premium varieties (Sekoya, Amalia Rose) focused on flavor, compared to the mechanized varieties from the US. Japan is emerging as a key market: Mexican exports to that destination grew by 250% this season. The main risks for the sector are El Niño, labor availability, and water legislation.

Colombia: The domestic market absorbs the bulk of production

The planted area increased from 500 hectares three years ago to around 1.000, with a projected 1.200 hectares by the end of 2026. Production exceeded 12.000 tons, 95% of which was absorbed by the domestic market.

The crops grown in Cundinamarca and Boyacá produce fruit with high sugar content and a distinctive flavor profile year-round. The local price (approximately USD 10/kg) is higher than the international price (USD 6,50–7,50), which keeps the fruit in Colombia.

Access to the US market faces the phytosanitary barrier of the fruit fly (15-day cold treatment). Labor represents 75% of the cost and is projected to increase by 24% in 2026.

Chile: The premium segment continues to rise

Chile acts as a seasonal bridge between the end of the Peruvian supply and the beginning of the Mexican supply, a complementarity based on its own agro-climatic conditions and decades of export experience.

In 2025/26, Chile benefited from improved returns in Asia and Europe, aided by lower early availability from Peru. The destination markets exhibit distinct dynamics: Europe is mature and predictable; the US pays premium prices for premium fruit; China sets global quality standards. The premium segment is growing at 7–8% annually in the US and at double-digit rates in Europe, with no signs of oversupply for those opting for the high end.