Demand for berries Overseas organic farming has come a long way this year, according to Roelant Komen of Dutch company Carsol Europe. “Many supermarkets already want to start selling berries ecological. The local campaign has gone well and now that the European product has left the market, more and more customers want to continue the organic season with blueberries from overseas."

Carsol Europe brings its organic berries from Argentina. "The Peruvian product is mainly destined for the North American market, since its cultivation is considered organic according to the American standard, but not according to European guidelines," says Roelant.

“Argentine supply is still limited, so prices are at a high level. Air freight is also 30-40% more expensive this year, because there are hardly any flights from Argentina to Europe. At this time, it is still cool in the growing areas and therefore the fruit does not ripen as quickly. Even so, we get enough product. Fortunately, the weather is dry, which is an advantage, because the rain could create problems in terms of quality.”

Roelant expects higher volumes from week 41 onwards. “The overseas organic season will pick up pace from October, with a peak up to and including week 45. Then, the supply will decrease from week 46 and the Argentine campaign is expected to end around week 49/50. The first ships with Chilean product usually arrive in January, so it will be very interesting to see how we bridge the gap in December. In December there will be arrivals of some Chilean batches by plane, but this product is quite expensive."

Carsol sells the blueberries on the German market, complemented by the Swiss, Austrian, Scandinavian and Dutch markets. "In general, the demand for organic fruit and vegetables is growing, but for blueberries that increase is even higher than for other products," says Roelant.