World berry market – Blueberries

Global demand for blueberries continues to grow, mainly due to the medicinal properties attributed to this crop. Thanks to this, the price of blueberries is high, which determines the great potential of the culture and the interest in it from various countries.

Ukraine: exports continue to grow.

Blueberries are one of the most popular crops for new plantations in Ukraine. At the beginning of April, the export volume was expected to be from 4,500 to 5,000 tons. Most exports go to Poland, Turkey, France and Belarus. As in Poland, part of the harvest in Ukraine was affected by weather conditions.

China: blueberries instead of popcorn at the movies.

Blueberry is a popular product in China not only because it is a very healthy food, but also because it is perceived as a tasty snack. Blueberries have been widely promoted as a healthy snack at the cinema this year and have been well received by Chinese consumers. China also imports blueberries when its own season has not yet begun. At the beginning of the year, these imports came from Peru and Chile.

Spain: retail prices are 800% higher than purchase prices.

The market is oversaturated. Producers also organized protests because their products are bought by supermarkets at a price of 2 euros per kilogram, and then sold at 19 euros per kilogram. Many growers are planning to switch to other crops, probably mostly strawberries. Other farmers are forced to sell their gardens.

Peru: production increased by 571%.

In the first quarter of the current year, blueberry production in this country amounted to 18,000 tons.

Italy: introduction of new technologies and varieties.

Demand increased by around 60% in southern Italy. A hydroponic method of growing American blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) is being tested in Calabria).

The Netherlands: low prices and many promotions on blueberries.

There is currently a lot of Spanish product on the market and prices are under pressure.

Belgium: large investments in the creation of new varieties.

The first harvest from the open ground will begin in the first week of July, the range is still relatively young.

Germany: the main suppliers are Spain and Morocco.

In Germany, most of the blueberries on the store shelves come from Morocco or Spain. In Frankfurt, the price for Moroccan or Spanish blueberries dropped to €0.80 and €1.20 for 125 grams. In northern Germany, products are grown and supplied as organic.

France: quiet market, stable prices (8 €/kg).

According to the trader, the blueberry market is quiet now. The demand for products is not very high. Prices are stable, berries sell for €8 per kilogram. In general, French traders import a lot of Spanish blueberries. Small quantities are also grown in France. The French season runs from June to September.

Poland: frost damage.

Frost in April caused significant damage to the blueberry crop in Poland. Estimates indicate a decrease in volume by 10-40%. Either way, there is no doubt that gross output will decline. Harvesting is expected to begin by the 28th week. Due to the cold and wet weather, there is a possibility that the blueberry pollination is bad.

In order to protect berries from unexpected frosts, you can use covering agrofiber