In recent years, blueberries have gained in popularity enormously. The product is still growing for Fruit World as well. The European outdoor production season has now started. Prospects are good, although supply from Portugal has been delayed by several weeks due to bad weather conditions.
Fruit World Breda, a subsidiary of the Best Fresh Group, is specialised in marketing and trading soft fruit. The company can provide its customers with the entire soft fruit range year-round. The European blueberry season starts in spring with the production from covered production, followed by the outdoor productions. “We should now actually have blueberries from Portugal, but the season has been delayed as a result of bad weather. Cold and rain affected the growing season, so that they’re now harvesting about three weeks later than usually,” says Dante Anton from Fruit World in the second week of June.
Portugal hit by hail and rain
The purchasing manager mentions it’s an atypical season for blueberries. This season, the Portuguese production is keeping everyone waiting. Since last year, Fruit World has worked with specialised new partners in Spain and Portugal. At the time of writing, the first blueberries are harvested by their partners in Portugal, which will arrive at the soft fruit specialist’s by the end of this week. Besides, blueberries from France and Poland will be bought for a number of weeks. The blueberries mostly stay in Europe, and are supplied under own brands ICONS, for premium soft fruit, or Aroma.
Early in July, the blueberries from Dutch soil will subsequently start. Expectations are good for the Dutch season. “Unless anything unexpected happens, I think the season will be positive, with an increase in supply volumes compared to last year and an excellent premium quality.” Fruit World’s blueberry area in the Netherlands has been expanded by 35 hectares this season. Dante also feels positive regarding sales. Consumption increases every year. “More and more consumers make decisions conscious of their health, and they choose more fruit and vegetables in their daily diet. Consumption of soft fruit, and blueberries in particular, is profiting from this trend. Because of this, more is possible in the field of packaging: packs of 250 and 500 grammes are becoming ever more popular in European retail. The large, often cheaper, packaging are ideal for families and consumers who use blueberries during multiple eating moments. Wanting to reduce the plastic rubbish heap also plays a part. Additionally, we’ve seen resealable and portionable packaging are on the rise.”
Overseas supply
Offering continuity year-round isn’t something obvious. To have blueberries available for 52 weeks, Fruit World has an extensive network with growers of quality products. The soft fruit specialist also has its own production locations at its disposal. “During the Dutch season, we’re supplied by our own growers. Besides, we have strategic partnerships with local producers from Chile, Argentina, Peru, Uruguay, Mexico, Spain, Morocco, France, Portugal and Poland. During the period from September until February, we get overseas supply from South America, Mexico and South Africa. In South Africa, Fruit World will start a collaboration with a grower’s cooperative as of this year. This cooperative develops and grows exclusive varieties.”
“It looks as if we’ll also be buying supply from the Balkans in future as an extension of the European season. The increase in blueberry surface in countries such as Serbia and Bosnia has been impressive in recent years. Circumstances are favourable in these countries, and it would be a great addition to our supply. Countries such as Ukraine and Romania also offer excellent opportunities for the production of blueberries.”
More information:
Fruit World
Dante Anton