In Europe, this year's blueberry supply is way down. "It's a 'perfect storm,'" says Harro van Dam of Carsol Europe in the Netherlands. "The Chilean season ended earlier than usual, while cultivation in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain are far behind due to cold. There aren't any market alternatives either, making this a highly unusual situation."
"Arrivals have been lacking since week 7. In Morocco, it's been colder than usual for the time of year for weeks. The same goes for Portugal, where we have farms, and to a slightly lesser extent Spain, where the season started slightly late, too. Though somewhat better weather is expected In Portugal from next week, it will remain cloudy. I, thus, expect the market to be a demand one for the next few weeks," Harro explains.
"In Chile, good temperatures accelerated the season. But they had a heat wave, so the season ended sooner, too. The season thus peaked significantly earlier than usual. In the process, people clearly chose to export only the best quality, leading to the latest Chilean berries' high prices."
"Loose, good Portuguese berries are also fetching between €10 and €11. Those high prices are inhibiting sales, though. Several supermarkets have canceled their promotions for lack of product. The big question is how the season will continue. I don't see the market rebounding in the next few weeks, but eventually, the plants will begin producing volumes. Then, the question becomes: will everything arrive at once? A positive this season is the Portuguese berries' outstanding quality. That makes us very hopeful," Harro concludes.
For more information:
Harro van Dam
CarSol Europe
Tel: +31 (0) 107 632 683
Email: hvandam@carsoleurope.nl
Website: www.carsoleurope.nl