Dutch blueberry season begins early and seeking to satisfy increasing consumption
The Dutch blueberry season has started early, at the beginning of July. While the companies Special Fruit and the producers of Harm Valckx and Leon Schrijnwerkers have partnered in Berry Packing Services, in order to meet the growing demand for blueberries. “We are waiting to produce 2.000 tons of blueberries this season“, indicates the blueberry specialist in a press release.
Supply throughout the year
Special Fruit is pleased with the new partnership. In this regard, the Purchasing Manager, Piet Meerkerk, specified: "We have secured a supply of blueberries throughout the year. Our main strength is the importation of blueberries, especially from South America. So Dutch blueberries are a good complement to our range of products, especially with more and more supermarkets wanting to offer the product throughout the year".
Meerkerk added: “Special Fruit imports blueberries from countries such as Argentina, Peru, Chile, Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Most blueberries find their way to countries like the United Kingdom, Germany and the Scandinavian countries, which are important markets in terms of consumption of blueberries".
Likewise, Piet explained that the countries that produce their own blueberries, where consumption lags behind, are particularly interesting for the future.
Strong increase in consumption
Harms also confirms the strong and growing demand for blueberries. This trend, he says, will continue in the next five to ten years. “The blueberries are booming. The consumption increases in 20 to 30% every year. In 2004, the Dutch consumption was 4 grams per capita, now this is 130 grams per inhabitant".
In the United Kingdom, consumption is 600 grams per inhabitant. Ireland is also among the largest consumers, but the United States is the absolute leader with 1,1 kilograms per capita. “Therefore, there are still plenty of opportunities for us. The great focus on blueberries as a very healthy fruit has also contributed to this boom. Promotions in stores, and the varied and massive packaging available have also had an influence. Years ago, you only saw 125-gram containers. Now there are more and more large packaging, and we will also be presenting an interesting range in this regard".
Challenges
Harm and Piet view the partnership with optimism. “Supermarkets want a reliable partner, who can supply and guarantee a volume. We are able to do it“said the company in a press release.
However, there are also challenges. Production in Germany is increasing further, and Poland is a competitor for Dutch supplies. Production in Poland is 15.000 tons this season. “The blueberry sector has seen a huge evolution here in recent years. With an intelligent quality, which simply seeks to supply a good product. Poland also exports a lot to Scandinavia. However, for now, there is still enough space for sales from the different producing countries".
Lastly, Harm points out that the United States and British Columbia in Canada are the largest producers in the world, and these markets are totally self-sufficient in season, importing blueberries from South America outside of it. Only a small percentage of US and Canadian production is exported to Asia. Hence, "Maybe we will export to Asian countries in the future"He concludes.
Source: SimFruit based on information from Special Fruit
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