German soft fruit harvest increased 27%

In 2021, almost 45,600 tons of soft fruit were harvested in Germany on an area of 9,440 ha. While the acreage remained almost constant compared to the previous year, the harvest quantity increased by 27%. The German Statistical Office (Destatis) further states that the more favorable weather conditions in 2021 will be the main cause of the clear harvest increase. The year 2020 was characterized by late frost and drought. That 2021 was a special harvest year is also apparent from the figures for other years: since the start of the harvest registration in 2012, there has never been so much soft fruit harvested, Destatis reports. Blueberries Blueberries were the most important soft fruit variety in Germany in 2021 with an area of 3,360 hectares (+2% compared to 2020). Their cultivation covered 36% of the soft fruit area and 34% of the total soft fruit harvest. With approximately 15,600 tons, 38% more blueberries were harvested than in 2020. In second place after blueberries are red ...