South African 2022/23 Blueberry Season Has Commenced

The 2022/23 South African blueberry season has commenced with volumes expected to increase by 25% from 20 thousand metric tons (mt) in 2021/22 to record breaking volumes of over 25 thousand mt in 2022/23. The season is expected to last from August to December. The 2021/22 season experienced high demand from Middle-Eastern markets with the 2022/23 season expected to follow the same trend once supply volumes increase and pricing improves.

The start of September is still early in the season characterized by low supply volumes and high prices. The price trends for the 2022/23 season looks positive with reductions expected as harvest and export volumes increase. Early season pricing for 1.5kg - 14mm blueberries range between USD 13.50 to 14.50 for Middle Eastern markets depending on the destination, USD 14.50 for Singapore/Malaysia and USD 14.80 for Hong Kong.