W3 Blueberry Update: Peruvian and Chilean Blueberry Industries are Facing YoY Declines, Moroccan and Mexican Industries Display Growth, and Zimbabwe Emerges as Fastest-Growing Producer with 800% YoY Record Growth

Peruvian Blueberry Exports Declined by 27% YoY in 2023/24 Season

Peruvian blueberry export volume has notably declined by 27% year-on-year (YoY),, amounting to 224.03 thousand metric tons (mt) in the ongoing 2023/24 campaign. The major export destinations include the United States (US), with 54% participation, the Netherlands (23%), and China (13%). North America's acquisitions dropped by 28% YoY at 122 thousand mt, the Dutch market experienced a 32% YoY reduction to 52.55 thousand mt, and shipments to China totaled 28.29 thousand mt, equivalent to a 24% YoY decrease . Notably, shipments through Jorge Chávez Airport and Pisco Port Terminal have seen increases of 188% YoY and 57% YoY, respectively, while main ports Callao and Paita witness drops of 24% YoY and 34% YoY.

Chilean Fresh Blueberry Exports Decline in 2023 Due to Market Challenges

The Chilean fresh blueberry market faced challenges in the 2023 season, witnessing a 19% YoY decline in volume and a 25% YoY reduction in value compared to the previous year. The total exports for the year 2023 amounted to 145.72 thousand mt, generating USD 534 million in revenue. The decline was particularly notable in Mar-23, with a 66% YoY drop in volume and 81% in value. Despite the first 11 months of 2023 being challenging, Dec-23 showed signs of recovery, with 12.84 thousand mt shipped, resulting in USD 56 million, marked by a 27% YoY price increase. The US remained the primary market, albeit with a 24% YoY decline, while the Netherlands and South Korea also experienced contractions. Peru faced a 30% YoY volume drop, compensated by a 20% YoY increase in value due to heightened prices.

Moroccan Blueberries Thrive in Southeast Asia,Targets Expansion And Breaks Records with 50% YoY Growth

Moroccan blueberry has achieved a significant breakthrough in the Southeast Asian blueberry market in 2023. It’s setting a new record with exports reaching 1.4 thousand mt, a remarkable 50% YoY surge from 2022. According to reports, Morocco expanded its export footprint to the experimental markets like Indonesia. The main destinations for Moroccan berries in the region included Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, which together accounted for about 96% of Morocco's total supply in January to November 2023. This surge in Moroccan blueberry exports underscores the country's growing influence and success in Southeast Asian markets, marking a notable milestone in the global blueberry industry.

University of Florida Unveils High-Performing Blueberry Cultivars for 2025 Growers

The University of Florida introduces two groundbreaking blueberry cultivars, FL17-141 and FL19-006, set to be available to growers in 2025. These early-season cultivars are designed for the evergreen production system andexhibit remarkable traits such as high yields, firm fruit texture, exceptional flavor, and robust evergreen foliage. These cultivars mark a significant advancement in blueberry breeding, catering to diverse production systems and promising enhanced productivity and quality for growers.

Zimbabwe Emerging as Global Blueberry Hub with Remarkable 800% Growth

Zimbabwe emerges as the world's fastest-growing blueberry producer, expanding from zero to 570 hectares (ha) and yielding 7 thousand mt from 2018 to 2024, marking an 800% YoY increase in blueberry plantations over five years. South African investors are drawn to the industry, attracted by favorable weather, conducive soil, abundant water, and cost-effective labor. Key players such as BerryWorld, Fall Creek, and Costa leverage contractual agreements with local farmers, capitalizing on Zimbabwe's advantageous growing conditions that lead to an early harvest compared to global competitors. However, challenges like limited access to domestic loans and high-interest rates may impede further expansion for local producers.