Global blueberry exports have increased steadily year on year, with the Chinese market becoming the leader in terms of blueberry consumption growth across Asia. Asian consumers, particularly those in China, tend to prefer large, crisp and flavorful fresh blueberries, which consistently command higher prices in the market. At the 2023 edition of Asia Fruit Logistica, which was held in Hong Kong in September, Sekoya blueberries , star products of the blueberry cultivation company Fall creek , won praise and praise from retailers in various countries and regions in Asia.

In an interview with Produce Report, Hans Liekens, Sekoya retail and value chain manager, provided first-hand information on these premium blueberries. Liekens explained: “Sekoya is a B2B brand platform dedicated to the promotion of Sekoya blueberry varieties, sales of which are carried out by our members, who possess the capacity to provide year-round supply to the market. “Our blueberries are known for their crunchy texture, delicious flavor and long shelf life.”

Sekoya is not only the name of the platform but also part of the names of the varieties. Currently, there are five varieties of blueberries available on the platform, including Sekoya Pop (FCM14-052), Sekoya Beauty (FCM12-097), Sekoya Crunch (FC13-083), Sekoya Grande (FC13-122) and the latest addition: Sekoya . Party (FC13-113).

Liekens noted: “Since not all Sekoya blueberries can consistently meet the same high quality standards, Sekoya has introduced a new consumer label known as LIVIE. This label serves as a symbol of quality and will appear on retail brands or member labels, signifying unwavering quality standards year-round.” To qualify for the LIVIE label, blueberries must meet specific criteria, including those related to size, flavor and crunchiness, resulting in a long shelf life. To consumers, the LIVIE logo represents blueberries of consistent quality with a crunchy texture and exceptional sweetness.

According to Liekens, Sekoya blueberries are currently grown in 18 countries and this number is expected to increase to 30 next year. A third of these blueberries are destined for the United States and Canada, another third for Europe and the United Kingdom and the rest for Asian markets. Among these regions, Asia is experiencing the fastest growth. Of the 15 members of the Sekoya platform, nine have introduced Sekoya blueberries to the Chinese market, including agrovision , Agroberries, Alpine Fresh, Joy Wing Mau and Prize. Liekens also revealed that in 2024, one or two additional members will enter the Chinese market due to Sekoya's impressive consumer acceptance and sales performance in Asia.

The estimated global production of Sekoya blueberries in 2023 is approximately 45.000 metric tons, and this figure is projected to reach 87.000 metric tons in 2024. Peru stands out as the fastest growing production region, followed by Mexico and Morocco. In his interview with Produce Report, Liekens also revealed the company's plans for production in China: “This year, Sekoya members have started growing blueberries in China and we are actively expanding our nurseries in the country. In the coming years, our strategy includes growing the Sekoya Pop and Sekoya Beauty (sub-zero cold) brands in southern China, while the northern regions will focus on the medium-high cold brands, Sekoya Crunch, Sekoya Grande and Sekoya Fiesta. These five varieties will grow in almost all the conditions specific to each growing zone. “This strategy will result in the cultivation of Chinese blueberries for 52 weeks of the year for Chinese consumption and contributions to the flourishing blueberry industry in China.”