In a year (2023) when demand and prices for blueberries have seen a marked increase, Mexico has had the lowest harvest since 2019 says Gerardo López, Commercial Director of the exporter Berry Lovers based in Mexico: “Our blueberries have seen the lowest volume since 2019.”
Due to Peru’s well documented struggles and lower volumes Mexican producers have seen a substantial demand increase, but were not able to fulfill orders, due to their own weather related challenges during the last few months of 2023. “We noticed that there was higher demand for Mexican blueberries because of lower volumes from Peru. This pushed prices for blueberries up at levels we had not seen in years. It has been a difficult season for all berries. Because of high temperatures during summer and late rain in October - November production of most berries in most regions in Mexico was delayed,” explains López.
He says despite the higher prices it was hard to meet this increased demand. “Our selling prices were higher but meeting extra demand was difficult.”
Berry Lovers are based in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico but operate from several regions across the country where they grow and export four different type of berries – conventional and organic blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. The have some of the latest genetics of blueberry varieties that was able to produce higher volumes than the older varieties.
Their outlook for the first few months of 2024 is to return to have better harvest volumes and production, but it all depends on having good weather that favours higher production. “We are expecting more availability in the coming months, but I’m not sure if it will be enough to fully recover. Weather plays a big role, we have been having low temperatures for many weeks and it is not helping,” says a hopeful López.
For more information:
Gerardo López
Berry Lovers
Tel: +52 477 104 2023
Email: gerardo.lopez@producelovers.com