“We’re getting supplies from Argentina and Peru and some out of Mexico,” says Randy Wilson of Dinuba, Ca.-based King Fresh Produce LLC. “We expect to see increased volumes from Peru and Chile—the volume overall is up. From both Argentina and Peru, they’re up by about 20 per cent.”
Photo: Berry People LLC
Those in the industry are seeing a bigger push coming from Peru this year on berries (as well as other commodities). “Peru is changing the dynamic,” says Jerald Downs of Hollister, Ca.-based Berry People LLC. He notes that typically December sees a climb in demand for berries given the overall lift in produce the holiday season brings. That couples with the fact that it’s generally when the Argentinian season is wrapping up while the Chilean season hasn’t gotten full traction yet. “But now it looks like that lift is offset with Peru coming in with increasing supplies,” Downs adds.
Demand pushes up
Demand for now domestically seems strong for blueberries and that puts pricing slightly higher than last year. “Pricing is anywhere from $20-$24 FOB to as high as $30,” says Wilson. “It’s maybe a little higher than last year. There were some rains in Peru and Argentina that were maybe held back some of the shipping.”
Looking ahead, Wilson anticipates that blueberries will continue to rise in both demand and supply as the Thanksgiving and holiday season approves. “I think the market will stay the same or come down a bit first in the next couple of weeks,” he says.
For more information:
Randy Wilson
King Fresh Produce LLC
Tel: +1-661-347-3611
randy@kingfresh.com
www.kingfresh.com
Jerald Downs
Berry People LLC
Tel: +1- 831 245 3500
jerald.downs@berrypeople.com
www.berrypeople.com