USDA: South African Blueberry Production To Grow 22% In 2020/21 Season

Despite the fact that the blueberry industry in South Africa is much smaller than the national production of citrus fruits, apples, peaches and table grapes, it is the blueberry sector that has shown the most intensive growth rates in the last 5 years. Blueberry production is projected to grow by 22% in 2020/21 to 22,000 tonnes, taking into account the area of new plantations, the entry into the season of commercial fruiting of new plantings and improved yields. Exports in the 2020/21 season will increase by 20% to the volumes of the previous season to 18 thousand tons. Last season 15 thousand tons of berries were exported. Nevertheless, the threat of new restrictions in connection with COVID-19 worries manufacturers. At the moment, the United States does not have access to the South African fresh blueberry market, but investors plan to invest in blueberry production and processed products, licensing of varieties, supply of biopesticides and fertilizers. The blueberry industry is ...