Blueberry season begins in South Africa

The blueberry industry in South Africa, although relatively new compared to other countries, has seen a steady increase in production and exports. This year producers are optimistic about production, anticipating a 10% growth in exports and hoping to reach the goal of 25,000 tons of blueberries, a significant increase over last year's shipments of just over 22,000 tons. Although in 2023 the industry faced a long winter and a delay in harvest, especially in the Western Cape, the main blueberry producing area in South Africa, BerriesZA CEO Brent Walsh told www.freshfruitportal.com that in 2024 they project a fruitful campaign, in which they will continue looking for new markets for the fruit, as well as the commercialization of different varieties. Walsh noted that they are supplying local markets until July-August, which is when the industry sees an increase in production in northeastern South Africa. "After that, production begins to move to the south of the country, towards the ...