According to Berries ZA, the export season for blueberries is currently at its peak, with South Africa exporting 34.1% more blueberries than the previous season. Approximately 5 000 tonnes have been exported, an increase from 3 727 tonnes. The UK and Europe, South Africa's traditional markets, received the majority of these exports. The UK's imports from South Africa increased by 78.9% with 2 040.6 tonnes, while exports to the EU saw a slight decrease of 4.3%, totaling 1 271 tonnes. In contrast, exports to newer markets in the Middle and Far East have shown significant growth, with a 31.1% increase to the Middle East (996.48 tonnes) and a 39% increase to the Far East (671.92 tonnes).
Absa's agricultural economists, in their Absa Agritrends report, highlighted that global blueberry production fell by approximately 3.3% or around 196 000 tonnes due to the El Niño weather event, impacting countries like Peru, Chile, and Mexico. They noted, "Structural adjustments in Peruvian production practices are suggesting that their season could move up to a month later for the coming season." This shift could benefit producers in the north of South Africa but may impact prices for volumes shipped later from the Western Cape, the region producing the majority of South Africa's blueberries.
Source: Freight News