W27: Blueberry Update

In W27 in the blueberry landscape, China's General Administration of Customs and Poland signed a phytosanitary protocol allowing the export of fresh blueberries from Poland to China. Poland is a major global blueberry producer, with a cultivation area exceeding 12 thousand hectares (ha) and production surpassing 55 thousand metric tons (mt) in 2022. The blueberry season in Poland runs from July to September, with Germany as the main export destination. Poland has been expanding into Asian markets, successfully exporting blueberries to countries such as Japan and Malaysia. In addition, Poland's blueberry industry has experienced significant growth. Despite a lower harvest expected this year due to frost damage, the industry has been expanding through increased cultivation areas, modern farming practices, and government support. Poland has emerged as a leading producer and exporter of frozen processed blueberries. In Ukraine, the price of blueberries decreased to USD 5.47 to 6.01/kg (UAH 200-220/kg).

During the fresh Peruvian blueberry campaign, W27 shipments exceeded 1 thousand mt, marking a 3% increase compared to the same week last year. Shipments this season surpassed the previous campaign by 8%, reaching 2.91 thousand tons. The main destinations for blueberry exports were China, the United States, and the Netherlands, accounting for 65% of all shipments. Peru significantly increased its shipments to China, with a threefold increase from W26 and a 68% increase compared to the same period in 2022.

On the other hand, Chile experienced an 18% decline in fresh blueberry exports in the 2022/23 season, competing against Peru's significant volume increase. However, Chile remains the leading global exporter of conventional and organic frozen blueberries. During 2022, Chile exported 51.95 thousand mt of frozen blueberries, representing 74% of all southern hemisphere and Mexican exports. The main markets for Chilean frozen blueberries are North America, Oceania, Europe, the Far East, and Latin America. Chile exported 25% conventional and 75% organic blueberries, with peak exports between February and August. Prices for organic frozen blueberries reached USD 1.83/lb, while conventional blueberries reached USD 1.31/lb.

South African blueberry prices declined by 29.58% WoW to USD 3.91/kg in W26 from the closing price of USD 5.55/kg in W25. The price decline is attributed to increased supply from domestic producers as blueberry volumes are increasing as the season progresses. Lastly, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of South Korea has announced the selection of new crop accident insurance items in North Gyeongsang Province, including blueberries, watermelons, ginger, and sesame seeds. Farmers growing these crops can now sign up for insurance to mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters.