Domestic blueberry season gets underway

Overview of blueberries in the U.S. market, complemented by charts from Agronometrics. Original published on March 18, 2024.

The transition to domestic blueberries from imported Chilean fruit has begun. “Currently we are in Florida, and Georgia will start at the beginning of April,” says Katiana Valdes, marketing director for Crystal Valley Foods in Miami, Florida.

Florida, which started its season on time this year, will continue to produce for about six to eight more weeks and so far, the state has seen good growing conditions. “The season will be short but with good volume and great quality. Florida is expecting low volume this week but will start picking up in the next two weeks,” says Valdes.

Smaller Chilean volume this season

Meanwhile Chile, which had approximately 20 percent less volume compared to last season, started two weeks behind this year.

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Georgia is also expected to start its season on time while North Carolina will begin at the end of May/beginning of June. Both seasons will be about eight to 10 weeks. “The weather is also cooperating for the Georgia and North Carolina season and we do not expect any major issues,” says Valdes. “It’s a little early to tell the weather and growing conditions for Mississippi and Alabama. We will pack Mississippi starting mid-May followed by Alabama at the beginning of June.”

As for blueberry demand, it is steady but with tendencies to increase.

The News in Charts is a collection of stories from the industry complemented by charts from Agronometrics to help better tell their story.

Access the original article with this (Link)