Blueberry recall in US linked to Chilean supplier; European trade and supply trends
A major US retailer has expanded its recall of frozen blueberries due to E. coli contamination, with the initial product supplied by a Chilean exporter. This development may affect perceptions of Chilean blueberry safety in global markets, including Europe.
Publix, a leading US retailer, has broadened its recall of GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries to all lots, following an ongoing multistate E. coli O145 outbreak. The original supplier was Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of Chile, which had already announced a recall for one lot of organic blueberries on July 3, 2026. The recall now covers all GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Mixed Berries distributed in eight US states. This incident may influence the demand for Chilean blueberries in international markets, including Europe, especially in the organic segment.
Chilean blueberry exports are a key part of the European off-season supply, with the EU being a major destination. Any concerns over food safety could impact importers' sourcing decisions and may increase scrutiny of Chilean products in the coming months. No price changes have been reported in Europe yet as a direct result of the recall, but buyers may seek alternative suppliers if concerns persist.
In North America, demand for fresh blueberries continues to grow, with US Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) reporting that blueberry consumption in the US has doubled since 2011 and is projected to double again within the next decade. Mexico remains an essential supplier for the North American market, helping to meet the rising demand. This strong demand trend may affect the volumes available for export from North and Central America to Europe during overlapping supply windows.
Ukraine, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan have increased trading activity for fresh fruit and vegetables in Eastern Europe, but blueberries were not among the top-traded items in early August 2026. Instead, tomatoes, plums, and watermelons dominated trade volumes. Lower trading activity for blueberries keeps the focus on Western European and overseas suppliers for this period.
Poland, as a major importer of off-season blueberries, may experience minor indirect effects from the Chilean recall if European buyers shift sourcing preferences or if market sentiment reduces demand for Chilean product. The majority of Polish blueberry exports remain focused on Western European countries such as the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. In July 2026, Polish exports outside the EU were limited, with just 135 tons shipped mainly to Israel, the UAE, and Jordan.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker · Illustrative image generated by AI