The harvest of the first blueberries of the Huelva season began a few weeks ago, although these were mainly destined for the organic market and the Spanish market, given that the conventional blueberry market had collapsed with Chilean blueberries. “Chilean blueberries are still available in Europe, which are finishing programs with some supermarket chains. So far it has been difficult to gain a foothold in the markets. However, the demand for Spanish blueberries is starting to awaken,” said Pablo Gonzalez, of Berry Dealer.
According to the exporter, even though there aren't large volumes of Spanish blueberry at this time, prices are still low pressed by the Chilean product. “We hope that the situation will change completely soon. By the time Chile finishes, the demand for Spanish blueberries will skyrocket and, as there are few volumes at this time, we expect prices to improve as well.”
It should also be noted that, although Morocco is also present, its varieties focus more on select customers, more exclusive and profitable markets, without entering into the wars of large volumes of free varieties. In fact, Moroccan blueberry prices are higher than those achieved by the blueberry of Huelva. This is due to the investment of large companies - including Spanish companies - that have taken their knowledge and the cultivation of high-value protected varieties. Given that the costs are lower in Morroco than in Spain, they are doing great business,” Pablo Gonzalez stated. "In recent years, Morocco has taken a big step in the international market, with significant volumes and unprecedented competition that has done a lot of damage to Spanish exporters."
Berry Dealer distributes its blueberries in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Baltic countries, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and farther destinations, such as Dubai and Hong Kong. “We have many opportunities in the Middle East, although competition is very strong and payments are often delayed. Asia is more interesting but it doesn't allow you to have any default, because it penalizes you a lot. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus crisis, cancellations of air reservations to Hong Kong are taking place, where there is a lot of repressed fruit and very few purchases in wholesale markets."
The Andalusian company has just launched its new Katy Berry brand for its most consolidated customers. In addition, they now manage a new warehouse specializing in handling blueberries. "We buy blueberries from different farmers, all of them with their certified production and regulated and updated varieties. We package and market the product in different sizes, varieties, and packaging for each customer in each market."
For more information:
Pablo Gonzalez
BerryDealer
T: + 34 657673064
pablogonzalez@berrydealer.com
sales@berrydealer.com
www.berrydealer.com