In W34 in the blueberry landscape, the Peruvian Blueberry Producers and Exporters Association (Proarándanos) has reported a reduction in Peruvian blueberry exports, recording 10 thousand tons as of W31. This represents a decline of 25% in comparison to the same period in 2022. The decrease is due to a diminished harvest attributed to El Niño, a climatic phenomenon leading to elevated temperatures. Proarándanos foresees a decline in exports for the ongoing 2023/24 season, spanning from May to April. The director of Proarándanos conveyed that their initial projection a month ago estimated a potential yield reduction of 10% to 15%, requiring a downward adjustment of this forecast.
Furthermore, the majority of the blueberry production in Peru occurs along the coastal region, which experienced an average temperature increase of 4°C beyond the norm during W34. This warming trend has adversely impacted blueberry cultivation, particularly affecting the Ventura variety, accounting for 35% of the total exported blueberry volume. Despite these challenges, other blueberry varieties have exhibited robust growth and resilience. Projections for 2023 suggest a decline in the export volume from Peru; however, the quality of the exported blueberries is forecasted to remain high due to the proactive approach taken by growers in introducing new varieties that can thrive under changing climate conditions.
The Moroccan blueberry industry is poised to achieve a production target of 4 million metric tons (mmt) in response to robust projected demand. The strategic focus on post-harvest processes, encompassing packaging, transfer, transportation, and distribution, has taken precedence in this endeavor. Morocco's ascendancy as the fourth largest global exporter of fresh blueberries is due to its scale, varieties, and extensive market outreach to the Middle East, Russia, Asia, and Canada. The forthcoming XXVIII International Blueberry Seminar, scheduled for September 13 and 14 in Agadir, will emphasize key facets of the Moroccan industry, including cutting-edge genetics, pot-based cultivation, profitability optimization, and cost management. Notably, the need to double global production to attain the 4 mmt target by the decade's end underscores the critical role of post-harvest handling.
South Africa's blueberry exports commenced in W25 and have exhibited promising early performance, marking a 23% increase over the previous year's exports. Anticipated exports for this season stand at around 25 thousand metric tons (mt). The primary destinations for South African blueberries continue to be Europe and the United Kingdom (UK), with additional shipments of 120 mt to the Middle East. Although the Far East has received nearly 200 mt of South African blueberries thus far, Europe's share is expected to rise as the season unfolds. Notably, South Africa has significantly amplified its blueberry exports to the UK. In addition, at the end of W33, domestic blueberries in South Africa were selling at USD 2.88 perkilogram (kg), a drop of 21.95% week-on-week (WoW) compared to the closing price of USD 3.69/kg at the end of W32. This price decrease is due to a rise in market supply due to the commencement of the blueberry season.
