As the imported blueberry production season comes to an end, Chinese blueberries have been on the market since late January, taking over the blueberry market. Blueberries currently on sale are produced in Yunnan and Northeast production areas. It is understood that the taste and bloom of domestic blueberries arriving this year are better than those of the same period last year, and the market demand is strong, making the price of blueberries higher than in previous years.
Blueberries are the main product of Shandong Kunfeng Fruit Co., Ltd. Mr. Cai Xinglei of the company introduced the current blueberry market to FreshPlaza: "The blueberries currently on the market are mainly planted in greenhouses, and the blueberries planted in the open-field are on the market one after another in May. In terms of production areas, Yunnan blueberries were the first to go on the market, followed by Northeast production areas, then blueberries from various production areas are coming. In total, the production season lasts for half a year. The volume of blueberries has increased significantly since April, and a large number of them will be on the market soon. "
"From the current arrivals, the overall taste is better and sweeter than last year. Among them, Yunnan blueberry tastes better, and the bloom of Northeast blueberry is better. In addition to taste, the Chinese market also pays attention to the bloom of blueberries, which to a certain extent represents the quality and freshness of blueberries. Another feature this year is that there are more big-sized blueberries, and the diameter of some varieties is larger than before. For example, blueberries with a diameter of 22-24mm were already super large in the past, but this year’s fruits with a diameter of 30mm are relatively common, and there are even fruits with a diameter of 40mm. In the market, large blueberries often sell well because of their attractive appearance."
Talking about the blueberry market this year, Mr. Cai said that the current market demand is strong. Even if blueberry production is higher than last year, it is still in short supply, and the price is higher than before.
"After the pandemic control policy was lifted, the market vitality gradually recovered and demand increased. Our company's current blueberry sales have increased by at least one-third compared with the same period last year, and some supplies even need to be booked in advance. Due to strong demand and insufficient supply at the beginning of the production season, the overall price of blueberries is currently on the high side. It is believed that after a large number are on the market in April, the price will drop appropriately. "
In terms of packaging, rather than the conventional boxes, some brands have launched small cups in the second half of last year, which were welcomed by the market. With the start of the production season this year, the number of blueberries packaged in small cups has increased significantly.
"When the small cups were first launched last year, the sales were good and the price was relatively high. This year, more companies launched small cups, but the market response was not as good as last year, and the price was also lower than at that time. Because blueberries packed in a conventional box weigh about 1.5kg and blueberries in small cups weigh about 1kg, but the price is similar, some merchants chose boxed blueberries again due to the lower unit price."
Shandong Kunfeng Fruit Co., Ltd. is mainly engaged in the sales of blueberries and cherries. The company mainly sells at stalls in the wholesale market. Last year, the total sales volume of blueberries was 3,500 tons, and the sales volume of Chilean cherries was about 100 containers.