GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW BLUEBERRIES

Overview of blueberries in the U.S. market, complemented by charts from Agronometrics. Original published on January 12, 2024.

The global blueberry market is characterised by what exporters and imports call persistently high prices, high demand and with some seeing lower but improving quality arriving compared to other seasons. Overall there is less fruit available from the world’s major blueberry producer, Peru, or from their South American counterpart countries of Mexico and Chile. This is mainly due to the climatic challenges that continued into the New Year.

The European markets of the Netherlands (where “persistently high prices” are being seen) Italy and Central to Eastern Europe are all seeing very high prices, while alternative sources, such as South Africa, were sought over the Christmas and New Year period. However, that country struggled to fully capitalise on this trend due to port inefficiencies and having to turn to the more expensive airfreight to meet the spike in demand.

North America is seeing increased supplies with above average pricing for blueberries. Portugal expects to have one of the best seasons so far. Morocco, which has managed to harvest despite challenging weather, will see peak volumes by the end of January.

Blueberry supply is improving although it is still tight because the Chilean crop overall is down between 20-30 percent. Production out of Chile started slow but is picking up now.

Supply of Chilean blueberries were received in North America earlier this year because shippers were trying to catch a good market, one that was very good at the beginning of December. However, while the quality wasn’t as strong then, it’s improving now. Shipments should continue into March though peak supply will begin at the beginning of February.

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

Peru’s crop is also down this season by approximately 30 percent due to the El Niño winter, though its shipments have increased over the last three weeks. Colombia is also moving some blueberries as is Mexico. As for demand in North America, it’s strong because during the Peruvian season, the price was so high that retailers couldn’t go on ads. Those ads are starting now to absorb incoming volume.

All of this is leaving pricing above average. The market will likely come down a bit but it’s fairly stable and anticipated to stay that way through the season.

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

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