GLOBAL MARKET BLUEBERRIES

Produces and exports in Peru, as well as importers and buyers in many markets around the world, are holding their breath. That is to see if the weather will improve to signal a return to normal blueberry production from Peru, after a significant drop in production last season. Some producers say it is too early to tell, while others say there are some early signs of better weather.

In North America there is ample supply. Florida and Georgia have overlapped with strong crops this season.

Mexico also has supply, together with Peru, but despite this good supply demand is still strong.

In Southern Africa supply from Zimbabwe started early while South Africa will start harvesting in coming weeks.

China is seeing very little imports while supply from Yunnan is ample. Premium blueberries are becoming scarce. Supply in China has increased led by expanding local production. In turn prices are lower due to higher local production. The market prices are high for the limited imported blueberries.

Across Europe, there have been reports of frost damage in blueberry cultivation. Damage has been reported in Serbia, Central Poland, as well as Northern and Southern Germany.

However, the damage in the Netherlands has been very limited. In Germany, an early start to the harvest is expected due to the warmer spring weather. Spanish blueberries are gradually coming onto the German market.

Portugal, Romania, the Netherlands will follow soon after that.

Italy's blueberry campaign started a few weeks early in the south. Favorable weather conditions led to good early quality and volumes. Market demand was good along with high prices.

In the Netherlands, large volumes of Moroccan and Spanish berries are on the market with prices under pressure.

As Morocco finishes the season with strong volumes, Spain has yet to reach the peak of their blueberry campaign, which is expected from the end of May.

Turkey is seeing strong demand from markets. The very mild weather supported the early harvest of blueberries. The period when harvest will be most intense is around May and June. Morocco had a successful yet difficult season. The season comes to an end in 2-3 weeks. Egypt's blueberry season has seen prices that were halved. Their season is drawing to a close in a couple of weeks. Cold snaps and heat waves over 40 degrees contributed to inconsistent fruits and harvest cycles.

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