Demand for blueberries in Europe has increased over the last several years, and as one of the largest producers of berries, Poland has tried to keep up. Baltic Berry, a Polish cooperative of growers, recently built additional cold storage facilities to keep up with growing demand.“There's always very big demand for blueberries,” said Joanna Sapala of Baltic Berry. “We're always trying to catch up, because demand is never falling, and it's always more than we can supply. That's where we got the idea to extend our cold storage; so we can increase our volume of fruit to match demand.”
Previously, Baltic Berry had 3 cold storage rooms and a sorting room, but they have installed nine additional controlled atmosphere rooms. Now, in addition to keeping fruit chilled, they can precisely control the storage conditions of their fruit. The additional space allows them to buy fruit from smaller growers to complement production from their 35-hectare farm.
“We can also store fruit longer now,” said Sapala. “The season usually lasts through September, but with late varieties and more storage, we can extend the season.” That will help them compete better against German growers, who have a season that overlaps with the Polish one, which runs from late - early July through September.
The most popular variety that Baltic Berry grows is the Blue Crop, but they also carry a full line of varieties, which include late ones like the Liberty. Aside from the varieties Baltic Berry carries and increased capacity to meet consumer demand, Sapala said she's proud of the reputation her company has built in Europe.
“We are proud to have good quality of fruit,” said Sapala, “due to careful agricultural practices and post-harvest treatments. That's what sets us apart."
For more information:
Baltic Berry
Joanne Sapala
Phone: +48 604407778
Fax: +48 914831663
website: http://www.balticberry.com/
email: info@balticberry.com