The bush berry campaign in Switzerland is nearing its peak. The strawberry market seems to be recovering to some extent after weeks of volume pressure, while raspberries, blackberries and blueberries are successively hitting the market. Martin Egger (r), berry salesman at Tobi Seeobst AG, spoke to us about the yield outlook and market trends for soft fruits.
Strawberries: Volume pressure characterizes season so far
In terms of volume, strawberries have been able to draw from the full so far, Egger sums up. "Everything has been right: We have had consistently cool nights and daytime temperatures of up to 28 degrees in recent weeks, which is optimal for the growth of outdoor strawberries. Accordingly, we had high yields and predominantly large fruits. Sales were satisfactory, but the available supply exceeded demand, which in turn was reflected in noticeable volume pressure."
Already in the run-up to this year's strawberry season, there has been a price increase for strawberries. This was followed in turn by a price reduction due to increased promotions in the food retail sector. In the coming weeks, the market is expected to gradually normalize. Egger: "The peak has been reached, and volumes are already declining slightly." After completion of the outdoor harvest, he said, retailers can be supplied with smaller quantities from protected cultivation into October.
Raspberries: Stagnant volumes
The first raspberries from eastern Switzerland could already be picked two weeks ago. "Due to the persistent drought, the yield quantities now unfortunately seem to stagnate. Unfortunately, the lack of moisture can only be compensated to a limited extent with irrigation systems. Precipitation would therefore be urgently desired," describes the berry merchant.
Blueberries: Renewed increase in volume expected
At the turn of the month, the first blueberries will also hit the market. Compared to previous years, they are about ten days behind, but the yield forecasts are encouraging. In recent years, harvest volumes have increased annually, and initial forecasts indicate that this season will be no different, Egger continues. "We are expecting a ten percent increase in volume. The sales are there, and blueberries certainly have further potential, especially during the peak season from July to mid-August." Blueberries are typically offered deep into September.
Blackberries, currants and gooseberries: Is the market saturated?
Rounding out Tobi Seeobst AG's bush berry assortment are blackberries, currants and gooseberries. "We are finding that customers are taking gooseberries from us mainly out of goodwill. So the market seems to be largely saturated. Another complicating factor is that the crop is particularly tricky to grow due to high frost sensitivity. Similar to currants, gooseberries are available into September thanks to their shelf life and our CA cold storage capabilities."
Meanwhile, the first blackberries are available relatively early this year, he said. "One of our growers has already started, but larger quantities still won't be available until the end of the month," he said. We are also seeing some saturation in the market for blackberries. It runs with us throughout the season, but it's not a promotional crop like our main blueberry, raspberry and strawberry items."
Future: limited growing potential for organic bush berries
In addition to conventional bush berries, Tobi Seeobst is also responsible for marketing organically produced soft fruit. "In the case of pome fruit, sales are significantly above the previous year. However, for organic berries - especially raspberries and blackberries - supply volumes are unfortunately limited due to difficult production conditions and are thus significantly smaller than demand," concludes Egger.
Pictures: Sonnenhof Berries / M.Müller
Further information:
Martin Egger
Betriebsleiter Egnach / Verkauf Beeren
Tobi Seeobst AG
Tel. +41 71 474 70 21
m.egger@tobi-fruechte.ch
www.tobi-fruechte.ch