W48: Weekly Berry Update
Blueberry
Argentina: The Argentinian Blueberry Exportation Was Reduced by Half YoY (Nov 28)
Due to the exchange rate delay and the lack of government measures to support regional economies, blueberry exports from Argentina have decreased in the 2022-2023 season to less than half of the average of recent years. In 2021 the campaign was extended until W50 and concluded with 8,394 tons exported. In 2022, the campaign was over in W45, and only 3870 MT were exported.
Chile is one of the countries that has a prestigious international reputation in terms of its agricultural production and exports. According to the latest report from the Office of Agrarian Studies and Policies (Odesa), it leads forestry and agricultural exports, representing 33% of the total. However, at the beginning of the blueberry harvest and shipping season, multiple producers were affected due to the truckers' strike that was resolved on November 28th. Refrigerators are at full capacity, without the possibility of storing more fruit, for this reason, the industry does not have the cargo capacity for ships, as well as a way to reach them, warned the Association of Fruit Exporters of Chile. The damage caused by the blockade of routes has made the national fruit industry more resilient to improve the quality of plantations. A new method is the use of spectrometry optics.
Netherlands: The Dutch Blueberry Market Is Recovering, With Blueberry Prices up 37% Wow in W47 (Nov 29)
The blueberry market price in the Netherlands is finally recovering in W47 as volumes from Peru continue to decrease weekly. The price for a box of Peruvian blueberries increased by 37% WoW, from USD 6.16/box in W46 to USD 9.83/box in W47 for 12 x 125 g/box. As for bulk purchases, prices remain at a level not lower than USD 4.92/kg. These are encouraging signs for Chilean blueberries, which are expected to arrive in the EU within the next two weeks.
Peru: Lower World Market Prices for Peruvian Blueberries Despite a 28% Increase in Exports (Nov 28)
Despite Peru exporting 28% more blueberries to global markets, average prices are lower than in 2021. Reaching 33 markets with 217,000 tons of blueberries exported through the end of W46. Shipping 52% more to the US, 31% more to Europe, 14% more to China, and 2% more to other destinations compared to last season.
Strawberry
Austria: It Was a Record Harvest of Strawberries in Austria (Nov 28)
The Austrian Statistical Office has released data on the 2022 harvest of strawberries. According to statistics, strawberry production in Austria reached 16,900 tons, 19% more than in 2021. This is also the highest value in the last ten years, a 34% increase in the harvest on a ten-year average. The current harvest volume was above average and amounted to 3,400 tonnes, a +28% compared to 2021.
Egypt: The Price of Early Harvest Strawberries Decreased 12.5% WoW in W47 (Nov 29)
The second week of the early strawberry harvest in Egypt is coming to a close, with available quantities slowly starting to increase as it is approaching the peak season. The FOB prices for raw strawberries decreased by 12.5% WoW, from USD 12/2.5kg carton in W46 to USD 10.5/2.5kg carton in W47. Farmers are still attempting to hold onto high prices in the hope of raising the 2022 season's prices above 2021's average.
South Korea: Strawberry Production Decreased Compared to the Average Year Due to High Temperatures (Nov 30)
Strawberry production decreased compared to the average year due to high temperatures and fewer pests. 2kg of the Seolhyang variety were traded at USD 21.46. In 2022 the strawberry crop is estimated to be at the level of an average year. Due to the favorable harvest, production is expected to increase by more than 10% compared to 2021. However, due to the high temperatures in November, the fruit size is small, and production is forecasted to be lower than normal. Prices are on a downward trend as shipments begin in earnest.
South Korea: Very Good Quality Korean Strawberry Arrived to Vietnam in W47 (Dec 1)
Since W47, Korean strawberries have been available in the Vietnamese market, and the fruits are of high quality this season. Korean strawberries are best packaged in 1.32kg box/4 punnets of 330g with 12 to 15 large berries in each punnet.
Thailand: High Demand for WA Strawberry in Thailand in W48 (Dec 1)
The WA Strawberry season has come to an end in Australia, so there is a low volume available for exports in W48, but demand from Thailand remains high. Thai Airways pulled out of Perth, and there are no direct flights from Australia to Thailand. Strawberries must be fumigated, which shortens their shelf life and makes them sensitive to heat and humidity. The fruit would also need to transit through Singapore, where there is a risk of breaking the cold chain which affects the quality.
Turkey: Strawberries Are Getting Ready for Spring in Aydın (Nov 29)
In Aydın, one of the main strawberry production centers in Turkey. Producers have started preparations for the strawberry season. In the Köşk district, rejuvenation works are carried out to ensure that the strawberry seedlings that meet the soil bear fruit faster while the ripe strawberries are harvested. Producers arrive at the field in the early morning to prepare the strawberries for spring, waiting for a productive year in the season.
