Positive prospects for berries in 2022

The 2021/22 berry season, which ends this month, has so far been excellent in terms of volumes and quality, according to Elzette Schutte, manager of Berries ZA.

“We’ll see a record harvest this year and should be exporting between 20 000t and 22 000t, compared with the 15 000t exported last season. Quality is also excellent, and we’re seeing good shelf life,” she said.

The industry had nonetheless faced some difficulties, with frost at the start of the season causing losses in the northern parts of the country.

A cold autumn had also resulted in harvests in the Western Cape being a week or two later than usual.

However, the logistical problems at South Africa’s harbours and restrictions on flights for air cargo had been the greatest challenge for the industry this past year, Schutte said.

“We’re expecting an even larger crop next year as new orchards come into production and mature plantings increase in yields.

“We’re also excited about new varieties entering the market. We’re looking forward to May 2022, when we’ll be hosting our technical symposium with sponsors and industry stakeholders. Fruit Logistica is happening in Berlin in February, which is always a highlight, but we’ll have to wait and see what impact COVID-19 will have on the event,” she said.

Western Cape blueberry producer Simon Back said his operation, which had 20ha under cover, had produced good quality and volumes this past season (from August to November), although a cold July and rain disruptions later in the season had proved problematic.

“Despite the weather challenges, we increased our packout [rates] from 75% last season to 80% for the current season.”

Back agreed with Schutte with regard to logistical challenges, and said they were the main difficulties this season.

Back said the ‘honeymoon period’ for berries was over, and growers would have to improve quality and farming efficiencies to retain or grow their market share. “We’re competing against more local growers coming into production, as well as growers from South America.”

However, he was positive about 2022, and intended exploring new cultivars as well as improving his general farming efficiencies.