As the weather turns colder, soft fruit is traditionally mainly sourced from the southern hemisphere. We spoke to Christiaan Koellreuter, Managing Director of Nordgemüse Krogmann Lt & Co about the current supply situation and longer-term market developments for blueberries and co.
Extensive supply characterizes blueberry market
Peruvian 
blueberries dominate the market for cultivated blueberries, supplemented by South African batches. Koellreuter: "Similar to Germany, the Polish campaign ended earlier this year, which is why we can look back on a somewhat bumpy change of season. In the meantime, however, we are observing an abundant supply situation, which is why we should expect several promotions in food retailers in the coming weeks."
Peruvian goods will dominate the market until Christmas, after which it will move on to blueberries from Chile. "In terms of volume, Chile is gradually being replaced by Peru, partly because Peru has invested significantly more in innovative varieties and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Peruvians generally manage an almost continuous supply of the Ventura variety, an extremely stable and high-yielding berry," Koellreuter says, explaining the longer-term trend.
Blueberry processing
For German cultivation, Duke and Bluecrop are the most important varieties. "Due to the warm weather, about 65% of the total, domestic crop hit the market within two weeks. This means that in late July, we had to market a glut of German blueberries within a very short time," Koellreuter says, looking back.
Raspberries: German tunnel produce is running low
Regarding the raspberry market, domestic tunnel produce is now slowly but surely coming to the end of the season. The same applies to Polish imported goods, Koellreuter says. "We expect the last batches from German tunnels by the end of the month. Meanwhile, Morocco is currently represented with above-average quantities, and due to high night temperatures, the Spanish harvest can be described as rather restrained."
Regional cranberries
German cranberries: an interesting trade niche
The latest addition to the range of products offered by the northern German trading company are made up of fresh domestic cranberries. "Our supplier on the Lüneburg Heath will probably only be able to harvest this week," Koellreuter says. The product has now become a seasonal and regional highlight within retail. "It is a very demanding product, which comes with high requirements regarding production and logistics."
German cranberries are mainly offered in 200g trays. After the end of the German season, Polish goods are traded for a short time. Then the company switches to goods from Canada.
Nevertheless, the company said it has found an "interesting niche" with German cranberries, not only in Germany but in Austria and Switzerland as well. "Sales and fruit quality were very pleasing this year. Compared to the lingonberry, the cranberry has a good shelf life and it is also very versatile. Therefore, I already see more development potential in the near future."
For more information:
Nordgemüse Krogmann GmbH & Co KG.
Christiaan Koellreuter
An der Autobahn 50
29690 Buchholz/ Aller
Tel.: +49 (0) 5071 / 96 80 00
Email: [email protected]
www.nordgemuese.de