Blueberry supply from Western and Eastern Europe rises as Peru enters export market
European blueberry supply is increasing rapidly in early July, with the Netherlands, Germany, France, Romania, Ukraine and others joining the market. Peru has started its first commercial harvest targeting exports.
The main European blueberry harvest is underway, with southern Netherlands having started on 22 June and northern areas joining from early July. Germany, France, Romania, and Ukraine are also supplying fruit. Poland is expected to begin exports in the coming week, increasing overall market availability. The wholesale price level in Western Europe remains 'reasonably good', but downward pressure is anticipated as Polish and German volumes rise. Major retail promotions are planned in Germany from week 29, likely to absorb some of the increased supply.
The Dutch harvest is reported as strong, with good crop quality and only minor heat damage to the Liberty variety. The acreage under blueberries in the Netherlands continues a slight downward trend, as competition with lower-cost countries increases. Spain and Morocco have finished their seasons; however, the quality of their fruit was lower this year due to adverse weather, especially for Moroccan soft fruit. Despite this, Moroccan export volumes are expected to rise in future seasons.
In Peru, Vanguard Group International has launched its first commercial blueberry harvest at the Piscu farm in Pisco province, with picking beginning in June and expected to continue until late December. The initial harvest covers 550 hectares with premium varieties such as Apex, MegaEarly, MegaCrisp, and MegaGem. Yields for Apex exceed 20 metric tons per hectare, and over 60% of berries are at least 18mm in diameter. The first shipments are being airfreighted to Asian markets, with U.S. exports to follow; Europe could be a destination as the season progresses.
The European import season for South American and South African blueberries concluded with good results, while Spanish and Moroccan quality was notably weaker. Competition is intensifying as more countries enter the market earlier, with Romania and Ukraine already supplying fruit ahead of Poland's main export window.
Wholesale prices in Poland are forecast to fall to €2.3–2.8/kg (10–12 PLN/kg) at the peak of the season, influenced by strong supply from Western and Eastern Europe. The cost of production in Poland is reported to exceed €3.5/kg (15 PLN/kg), highlighting ongoing pressure from international competition.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker