"Portugal's blueberries still not well known in Europe"

O'baga is a Portuguese company that started growing organic blueberries a few years ago and that now also grows blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, currants, physalis, and specializes in all kinds of berries.

"Last year we sold 180 tons of blueberries and others berries, which are grown in 100 hectares of early and late varieties. We work with conventional and organic products," stated Gonçalo Oliveira, who works at the company's commercial department.

The company produces fruit between May and September. Outside this period they import fruit to satisfy the needs of the clients. "We have increased the volumes of our own berry production year after year thanks to an increase in the cultivation area. In the future, we intend to increase exports until we export 80% of the production, as we believe in the quality and value of our berry products in European markets," Gonçalo said.

The Portuguese company exports its berries to Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Nordic countries, and the United Kingdom. 

According to Gonçalo Oliveira, the main difference between them and other producing countries is their ability to supply big volumes. "It is important to have large quantities of product in the European market to respond to the customers' needs and to reduce transportation costs. The Portuguese blueberry has an excellent quality. The biggest difference, however, is that the Portuguese blueberry doesn't have such a big promotion strategy. We have the capacity to grow a quality product but we do not have promotional tools outside of Portugal, where we are not very well known. Portugal still has a lot to do so that the world knows its fruits."

The Portuguese company has well-defined objectives for the coming years: "We want to solidify the O'baga brand in the international markets, expand our supply portfolio, get in new markets, and increase our logistics capacity to be well prepared and to be competitive in the international market," stated Gonçalo Oliveira.

In order to work throughout the year, the Portuguese company, which exports seasonal fruits, imports other fruits, such as lemon, orange, tangerines, pineapples, and kiwis, which it currently markets in the Portuguese market.