Eye-watering blueberry prices could persist due to seasonal shortages and crop damage from torrential rain in northern New South Wales, reports ABC News. Recently, prices have reached $9.80 per 125-gram punnet, translating to $78.40 per kilogram. Previous lows were under $2.50 per 125-gram punnet last October, with a high of $19.99 at Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia in June 2024.
Berries Australia executive director Rachel Mackenzie noted that while winter production may ease prices eventually, the recent rain in northern NSW affected developing fruits expected in the market soon. With most blueberries grown in Coffs Harbour, prices are likely to remain elevated. According to Mackenzie, flooding, infrastructure damage, and increased pest and disease problems have been challenging for growers. The Australian Horticulture Statistics handbook valued blueberry production at $505.1 million last fiscal year, with a yield of 27,540 tonnes.
Blueberries also grow in Queensland, Victoria, WA, and South Australia to ensure a year-round supply. Mackenzie mentioned the current reliance on Australian fruit, primarily from Far North Queensland's Atherton Tableland. Australia's imports range from 700 to 1,700 tonnes yearly, mainly from New Zealand. The local industry is looking to grow exports, targeting markets like Vietnam and China, despite Australia's higher production costs.
A Chinese delegation's visit to Australian farms aligns with a need to fill gaps in their domestic supply, with Australian genetics playing a significant role in their production. Mackenzie highlighted Australia's advantage in quality, proximity, food safety, and sustainability practices.
Strawberry prices are also influenced by weather, with recent 250-gram punnets going for $5.50. Adrian Schultz, Queensland Strawberry Growers Association president, stated that Queensland supplies most strawberries in winter and spring, with production impacted by rain since March. A shift towards hydroponic tabletop production, which avoids soil diseases, may improve supply.
Schultz explained growers' financial commitments, expressing the hope for profit later in the season. Despite industry consolidation leading to fewer growers, production remains stable, with strawberries continuing to be popular due to their nutrient content.
For breeding, head Jodi Neal reported it takes up to seven years to develop varieties suitable for diverse climates. New strawberries, like the Stella variety, offer potential profitability due to larger fruit size, easing production costs. New white and pink strawberry varieties will become commercially available next year.
Source: ABC News