There is good and steady import volume of both blackberries and blueberries. "The blackberry supply is about the same as last year while there is more volume on blueberries available compared to last year, especially from Peru," says Katiana Valdes, marketing manager for Miami, Florida-based Crystal Valley Foods.
Blackberries are coming from Michoacan, Mexico, while blueberries are arriving from Peru (both the southern and northern regions). "Peru will have fruit through March but much less volume starting in mid-December," says Valdes, adding that the season for both berries started on time.
Also shipping blackberries is Guatemala while along with Mexico, Argentina is shipping blueberries. "The Argentinian season will be ending in the next couple of weeks and then Chile will start in mid-December," says Valdes.
Varietal notes
On that blackberry volume from Mexico, most are the Tupy and Sultana varieties. In the blueberries arriving though, there are many different varieties including Biloxi, Ventura, Salvador, Sekoya, and more.
As for demand, it is steady for blackberries and steady to low for blueberries.
Looking ahead, blackberries should continue with good volume weather permitting. "On blueberries, we expect less volume from Peru as we move into December. Argentina should be over in a couple of weeks and Chile is expecting to start harvesting next week with the first containers arriving by week 51 / 52," adds Valdes.
For more information:
Katiana Valdes
Crystal Valley Foods
Tel: +1 (786) 565-4575
[email protected]
www.crystalvalleyfoods.com