Spanish blueberries of the new season are slowly starting to arrive in the market. "The quality and size of the fruit are very good after a successful flowering, and we expect the production to yield very good results this year," says Higinio Cardona, from Agrícola MC.
"We started a few days ago, around the same time as last year; maybe even a week ahead, because the good weather conditions have had a notable influence on the fruit's ripening, but we must bear in mind that we are in February and cold waves could still come and bring the production to a halt," he says. "What matters most is that buyers are very happy with the fruit and with the fact that the Spanish campaign has already started".
"As for prices, they are high for now, but we shouldn't count our chickens before they hatch. There is currently a shortage of blueberries in the market and we don't know yet what will happen throughout the campaign, although everyone talks about it possibly delivering very good results due to the overall shortage of blueberries, not only here in Spain because of the drought, but also in Peru due to the impact of El Niño. Prospects are very optimistic."
Forecasts point to a new campaign with good results. It is worth recalling that in the 2022/23 campaign, despite production falling by 16% (according to data provided by the Government of Andalusia), the blueberry sector's turnover reached a new record after growing by 2% compared to the previous season thanks to a significant increase in fruit prices.
"Last year ended well in terms of prices," says Higinio, "but this year, production costs, including those of fertilizers or labor, have risen and this increase will have to be reflected on the fruit's price."
National strike of agricultural producers and shippers
On February 1, Huelva's berry sector participated in a large demonstration that took place in Seville, where the Andalusian administrations were asked to deliver the necessary infrastructures in Huelva to ensure the sustainability of one of the province's key economic engines.
"Of course, I participated in the demonstration, and I will do so in the strike that has been called at the national level, which will also be joined by shippers. French producers have managed to make themselves heard by paralyzing the country, and we are not going to stand still. Something has to be done for agriculture, and it is time to do it."
For more information:
Agrícola MC
Carretera Gibraleón-San Bartolomé km 4,6
Gibraleón, Huelva, Spain