Market gains increase optimism in blueberries

The blueberry industry in South Africa had a tumultuous year in 2023, but closed off the season on a high note at the end of December as market access prospects improved.

South Africa was granted market access to Canada late last year under trial conditions. Pending a successful trial period, full market access will be given. Elzette Schutte, Berries ZA manager, explained that during the trial period an import permit would be required and all shipments would be subject to inspection upon arrival in Canada.

The results of the trial importation period will be reviewed periodically, and it will be considered complete after several consignments throughout the entire shipping season have been inspected and authorities are satisfied that fresh blueberry fruit from South Africa consistently meet Canada’s phytosanitary import requirements.

Access to Canada provides an additional market to the EU, where South

Africa traditionally competes against high imported volumes from Peru and Chile. Last year, however, the blueberry crops from both countries were down, providing South Africa with a prime opportunity to gain market share.

Nicolas Balcomb, blueberry farmer and director of Primocane Capital, is hopeful that consumers would be permanently swayed to seek out South African blueberries in future. “This season proved to all customers in EU, the UK, and the Far and Middle East that South African fruit still plays a vital role in supplying their programmes throughout the season. These customers were in the past heavily dependent on Peru and Chile, and were shortsupplied this season due to the drop in yield experienced in South America.

“South African farmers rose to the challenge and supplied quality fruit to these customers, which hopefully cemented our farmers a solid portion of the market share in each region.”

With the lower volumes from South America, blueberry prices fared well during the season. Balcomb reported that export prices were on average 80% up from the previous year, spurred on by the weaker rand.

The blueberry season was however not without its troubles, and extreme weather in most production regions led to lower volumes.

The Western Cape struggled through two floods over the 2023 season. Balcomb noted that having the right crop protection products like those that aided firmness, shelf life and reduced fungi on the wet crop meant that damage was limited.

The local market brought less success, with prices under pressure. Balcomb believes this was due to low-grade fruit being dumped on the market, and consumers being none the wiser.

“The industry needs to work on educating consumers about blueberries,” said Balcomb. –