Western Berry a blueberry farm in Western Australia is gearing up for substantial growth, aiming to quadruple in size over the next five years due to rising demand for larger blueberries. Initially an olive farm, the family-owned Western Berry company, founded in 2012 by Derek Fisher, shifted its focus to blueberries, a more lucrative venture. Currently spanning 65 hectares, the farm plans to expand by an additional 40 or 50 hectares annually.
The decision to embark on this ambitious expansion is underpinned by advancements in local blueberry breeding that have yielded larger fruit sizes, exceeding 10 grams each. Confidence in the quality and size of West Australian-bred berries has fueled the company's rapid expansion program according to abc.net.au.
Marek Kwiecien-Fisher, Derek Fisher's son and a board member of Strawberry New Zealand, highlighted the success of West Australian breeders, mentioning that the Guinness World Record for blueberry size is held by a WA breeder at 18.6 grams. This remarkable achievement has prompted the company to consider the widespread planting of these high-quality berries.
To enhance efficiency and reduce harvesting costs, Western Berry recently introduced a mechanical harvester from the United States. This marks the first instance of such technology being utilized for blueberries in Western Australia. While global blueberry harvesting is traditionally done by hand, this innovation has significantly lowered production costs, reducing expenses to less than a dollar per kilogram.
Although the farm currently employs 180 people, the adoption of mechanical harvesting is not expected to displace manual labor entirely. The company plans to retain workers, especially during the early-season harvest, emphasizing a harmonious coexistence between technology and manual labor.
The appeal of larger-sized blueberries has not only driven domestic sales but has also opened avenues for international exports. Western Berry has initiated exports to South-East Asia, with a focus on markets like Hong Kong and Singapore. Consumers in these regions are particularly drawn to the larger fruit, resulting in positive returns for the company. With 20 pallets of blueberries shipped weekly to South-East Asia, the demand for these high-quality berries remains robust.
Considering the success in exporting to South-East Asia, Western Berry is exploring additional markets. Berries Australia, an industry association, recently participated in a government trade delegation to Vietnam to identify new opportunities. Executive Director Rachel Mackenzie expressed optimism about Vietnam as an ideal market due to its current reliance on blueberries from New Zealand and the US. The seasonal alignment, where Australia's peak season contrasts with those countries, positions Australian growers to meet demand during their peak supply periods.
In summary, the confluence of breeding advancements, the introduction of mechanical harvesting, and strategic market expansion positions Western Berry for significant growth in the blueberry industry over the next five years.