Demand for berries Overseas organic farming has come a long way this year, according to Roelant Komen of the 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 overseas blueberries."

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 remains 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 rain could create problems in terms of quality.

Roelant expects higher volumes from week 41. «The overseas organic season will gain 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 products usually arrive in January, so it will be very interesting to see how we bridge the gap in the month of December. In December there will be arrivals of some Chilean lots by plane, but this product is quite expensive.

Carsol sells blueberries in the German market, complemented by the markets of Switzerland, Austria, Scandinavia and the Dutch market. “In general, the demand for organic fruits and vegetables is growing, but for blueberries this increase is even greater than for other products,” says Roelant.