In Australia, the dynamics of blueberry supply and demand have led to notable fluctuations in supermarket prices. After reaching heights of up to $20 a punnet earlier in the year due to a supply gap following the berry season's conclusion, prices have now descended below $2.50 in most capital cities. This change comes as the country's annual consumption stands at approximately 18,000 tonnes of blueberries.
In Western Australia, a surge in local berry production has significantly influenced the market. Joshua McGuiness, Mountain Blue's general manager for sales and marketing, noted a transitional period in production between regions north of Perth and the south. This shift has ushered in some of the lowest blueberry prices observed in WA over the past year. McGuiness anticipates these prices to remain stable in the near term.
While not all blueberries found in WA supermarkets are locally sourced, with many imported from eastern states, recent biosecurity adjustments for fruit fly treatment have decreased the volume of imported fruit. According to McGuiness, this development has positively impacted local growers.
Rachel Mackenzie, Executive Director of Berries Australia, remarked that the current low prices do not alarm farmers, emphasizing the importance of annual average prices in ensuring profitability. She encourages consumers to leverage this period of low prices to explore premium brands, while also asking for understanding when prices rise.
Anthony Yewers, owner and farmer at Berrysweet, highlighted the importance of market adaptability in times of low prices, such as considering interstate shipments to address supply shortages elsewhere, particularly in light of recent adverse weather conditions in the east affecting supply.
Source: ABC