Polish Blueberry Guide

Source: Tridge, ITC Market Access Map

The blueberry supply chain has standard channels and actors in its supply chain. It includes 4 universal points of field production, warehouse, distribution and consumption.

Field Production

Blueberries are native to North America but are now found in different parts of the world. The farmers sow the seeds, irrigate and fertilise the soil to ensure that the harvest is healthy and safe. The berries thrive in acidic soil and frost-free climate. They are harvested by hand or using machines before moving to the next step. The production and growing activity are undertaken by single or associated producers in suitable fields and climatic conditions. 

Warehouse 

After harvesting blueberries are sorted according to the quality criteria regarding weight, color, form and other features, and must be cooled directly. It is important to lower the heat from the field as it increases the shelf life of the fruit. A perfect cold chain is necessary to export blueberries and maintain quality. All blueberries go under a plant health check before being packed and graded. Blueberries are graded and packed according to the requirements of the specific buyer and the country. It is important to ensure that all steps are done under cold storage conditions so retain the freshness and quality of the berry.

Distribution

In blueberry supply chain, transportation is a crucial factor as the product has shorter shelf life, therefore it's important to arrive at the destination point at the designated time. After being graded and packed the blueberries are ready to be distributed in the market. They are typically procured by the suppliers and wholesalers in large quantities. Wholesalers supply smaller quantities of blueberries to secondary channels such as specialised fruit retailers and food services. 

Purchase and Consumption

Blueberries are finally purchased by the consumer either fresh or ask a part of the ingredient. They are either purchased as wholes to be conceded fresh or by restaurants and bakers to make dishes. 

Exported Value in 2021: USD 140.47 M

+10.76% YoY

Exported Volume in 2022: 24.94 million MT

+24.33% YoY

The export value of Polish blueberries has been on an upward trend since 2016, driven by a continuous increase in domestic production.

Source: Tridge

Early Varieties:

1. Chanticleer:

     - Similar to the Sunrise variety.

     - The plant grows straight with side outgrowths.

     - Has sweet and aromatic berries, larger than the Duke variety.

     - Used in desserts.

2. Earliblue:

     - Used in desserts and food processing.

     - The plant grows quickly, sprouts are going up, later nicely spread.

     - The berries are medium sized, with greenish flesh, pink skin, and sweet and aromatic taste.

     - Matures in late June/early July.

3. Hannah’s Choice:

     - Matures in the same period as the Duke variety.

     - Resilient to frost down to -37°C.

     - The fruits are firm in texture, light blue coloured, sweet, large, collected into loose bunches.

     - Suitable for storage and for eating raw.

4. Duke:

     - One of the most popular blueberry varieties in Poland.

     - It flowers late, avoiding frosting.

     - Can endure frost down to -25°C and does not need fertiliser.

     - The fruits are oblate, collected into loose bunches.

     - Sweet and sour tasting.

     - Suitable for eating raw and baked goods.

Mid-early varieties:

1. Spartan:

     - Stems are of medium thickness.

     - Resilient to frost.

     - Fruits are large, oblate, blue, waxy, gathered in loose bunches.

     - Has a sweet and sour taste.

     - Suitable for raw consumption and processing.

2. Patriot:

     - Resilient to frost and diseases.

     - Has a fast growth rate, round and oblate, and dense.

     - Suitable for raw consumption or baking.

Mid-season varieties:

1. Bluejay:

     - Possesses a strong silhouette, upright, with a tendency to spread out.

     - Fruits are medium-sized and slightly elongated.

     - Sweet and sour in taste.

     - Can be harvested mechanically.

     - Suitable for desserts.

2. Toro:

     - The silhouettes branch out and are older and more tight.

     - The fruit is big, round, with a slight waxy cover.

     - Sweet and sour tasting.

     - Matures in July.

     - Suitable for raw consumption and baked goods.

3. Draper:

     - Matures a few days after the Duke variety.

     - Resilient to frost down to -29°C.

     - Has a blue-coloured fruit, with a waxy cover.

     - Suitable for raw consumption and desserts.

4. Bluecrop:

     - Considered the most popular variety in the world.

     - Has straight stems and a tendency to bend.

     - Matures late July/early August.

     - Resilient to frost and diseases.

     - Possesses round fruit which is sweet tasting, with waxy blue skin.

5. Bluegold:

     - A slow grower.

     - The silhouette is round and medium tight.

     - Matures in mid-August and is very fertile.

     - The fruit is large and round.

     - Suitable for raw consumption and in desserts.

Late

1. Darrow:

     - Grows up to 180 cm.

     - Resilient to frost down to -28°C.

     - Matures in August/early September.

     - The fruit grows large with loose bunches.

     - Light blue, with a sweet and sour taste.

     - Suitable for raw consumption for processing.

The Polish blueberry season usually runs from beginning/mid July to the end of August. In southern Poland, the season starts at the same time as in Western Europe except for the Polish season generally to last longer. Poland’s seasonality typically starts after the Spanish season has ended, but before South American countries enter the market.

After the products are packaged for export, necessary export customs clearance documents required by Polish customs authorities are prepared. 

Invoice/Packing list and other required export documents are arranged before movement of export cargo. The export documents are filed with the Polish customs electronically.

The cargo is moved from Exporters location to customs location where international carriers are also operated. The export cargo is unloaded at the country’s customs bonded area under the control custodian of cargo. 

Once export process is completed by Polish customs, necessary permission is given by customs authorities to move export cargo. Necessary export inspection procedures by Poland customs authorities are undertaken wherever required.

Export Customs clearance documents required include:

1. Customs Entry document

2. Customs bond 

3. Legal Undertaking (LUT) 

4. Customs declarations wherever applicable 

5. Export License

6. Purchase order/Letter of Credit 

7. Commercial Invoice/packing list 

8. Certificate of Origin

9. Insurance Certificate

10. Certificates of Inspection

11. ATA CARNET/Temporary shipment certificate 

12. Certificate of Analysis

13. Certificate of Free Sale 

14. Weight Certificate

15. Consular Invoice

FACTORY AUDIT (FA) - Poland Quality Inspections

The Factory Audit is done at the seller’s premises and is usually ordered by many buyers looking to verify if the supplier is genuine, has products or can meet the reuired product standards. An inspector visits the factory to audit its quality control systems, manufacturing standards and the factories export records.

PRODUCT INSPECTION (FGI) - Poland QC Inspection

The Product Inspection is conducted after an order has been made. An inspector inspects the products to confirm quantities, sizes, packing and other requirements listed in the order. On-site testing is done during this inspection, the results of which are sent in a report, highlighting any issues and defects that were identified. 

LOADING INSPECTION (CLI) - Poland Inspections

This is considered the most popular inspection in Poland. A Loading Inspection is carried out as the goods are being loaded into a truck or shipping container at the suppliers' premises in Poland. During this time, an inspector checks that products are correctly packed and loaded prior to dispatch.

2022 production figures

Poland is the 6th producer of dessert blueberries in the world and the largest in Europe. Over the last 3 years - from 2019 - the increase in production amounted to over 60%. Only the last year, production has increased by 25%. This is the highest percentage increase in production in the world. Only Morocco – 22%, Peru – 17%, South Africa – 17% and China – 16% are developing similarly fast.

In 2021, blueberry plantations in Poland grew to 11,000 hectares and in 2022 it was almost 12,000 hectares. A year ago, 65,000 were collected from this area. tons of fruit. Plantations producing blueberries are usually small - those with an area of less than 5 ha account for over 60%, those larger than 5-10 ha - 21%, 10-50 ha - 13% and the largest - with an area of over 50 ha - 3% of plantations. In 2022, 440 blueberry farms were certified in the GlobalGAP system. Poland exports over 1/3 of total production - in 2021 it was over 21,000. tons of blueberry fruit.

* Increasing Popularity: Blueberries have gained popularity as a superfood due to their health benefits, including being a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins. This popularity has driven consumer demand.

* Global Expansion: Blueberry production was expanding to meet the growing demand. Countries like the United States, Canada, Chile, and Mexico were significant exporters of blueberries.

* Consumption Trends: Blueberries were not only consumed fresh but also used in various processed forms like frozen blueberries, dried blueberries, and blueberry products like juices, jams, and baked goods.

* Health and Wellness Trend: The health and wellness trend had a positive impact on the blueberry market. Consumers were seeking out foods with natural health benefits, and blueberries fit this profile.

* Trade and Export: Many countries had become major exporters of blueberries. For example, Chile and Mexico supply fresh blueberries to the North American market during the off-season. This global trade in blueberries was expanding.

* Seasonality: Blueberry production is often seasonal, and different regions have varying harvest times. This seasonality can influence pricing and availability in different parts of the world.

* Challenges: The blueberry industry faced challenges related to climate change, diseases, and pests, which could affect production. Additionally, labor availability for harvesting was a concern in some regions.

The demand for fresh blueberries has increased globally, especially in the European Union, especially in central/eastern Europe. Almost all over Europe, new blueberry plantations are being established. This applies in particular to countries such as Ukraine, Lithuania, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Poland and Georgia.

Customer requirements are becoming more demanding just as quickly as demand. Supermarkets are also increasingly more focused on ethical issues.

Poland is the second largest, after Spain, producer of blueberries in the EU. We are already a powerhouse, not only in Europe, but also on a global scale, currently in 6th place with a constantly growing demand for these berries grown in Poland.

Competitors in the European Blueberry Market:

1. Germany: Germany is the country with the most potential for blueberries in Europe in 2022, with high and fast-growing volume. Strict requirements and price competitiveness are essential for suppliers entering this market.

2. United Kingdom: The United Kingdom is a market leader in blueberry consumption per capita. The market is mature, and future growth may be slower compared to other European countries. There is a preference for local produce.

3. Spain: Spain is both a significant producer and importer of blueberries. The country's consumption is still underdeveloped, but it has shown continuous growth. Spain primarily imports blueberries from Morocco to complement its local production.

4. Poland: Poland has strong blueberry production, and it's among the fastest-growing importers in Europe. The country imports blueberries year-round, with Spain supplying just before the local season starts. Morocco and Poland are essential sources for off-season demand.

5. France: France's blueberry consumption is developing more slowly than in other European countries. The country has the third-largest population in Europe but prefers local fruit. Demand is expected to grow steadily, and there is potential for further expansion.

Trends and Opportunities in the European Blueberry Market:

1. Varieties and Quality: Innovation in new blueberry cultivars that produce higher quality fruits is expected to play a significant role in the market. The market requires high and affordable quality, which is a driving force behind breeding programs. Durability is essential for long-distance suppliers.

2. Health and Sustainability: Consumer awareness of a healthy diet and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on healthy food demand have boosted blueberry consumption. Clean, sustainable, and pesticide-free products are preferred.

3. Convenience: Consumers in Europe prefer fruit that is easy to consume or use, and blueberries are popular as a snack or ingredient. Packaging suitable for European consumers is crucial.

4. Promotion and Production: Production and product promotion are essential for the growth of the blueberry market. Promotion by industry organizations and increased production capacity have led to new planting projects and increased production worldwide.

5. Preference for Local Seasonal Products: There is a growing preference for local produce and an emphasis on seasonality. As European producers extend their seasons, non-European suppliers may find better opportunities during off-season periods or at the beginning or end of the European production season.

6. Market Expansion: Despite supply growth, the demand for blueberries in Europe is expected to continue increasing. Various countries in Europe still offer untapped potential for blueberry consumption growth.