In the fluctuating blueberry market, South African exporters are increasingly opting for airfreight. By July 25, airfreight accounted for 92% of the 264.75 tonnes of blueberries exported, with only 19.82 tonnes sent by sea to the Middle East. This region emerged as the primary market, absorbing 53% of exports. This preference for airfreight over sea transport reflects a consistent trend over the past three seasons, with airfreight's proportion of exports rising significantly.
The Middle East's consumption of South African blueberries has been on an upward trajectory, from 4.6% in the 2021-2022 season to 10.1% in the last year. Conversely, Europe's intake has decreased from 62.9% to 47.1%, while the UK's share increased from 27.3% to 35.3%. The reliance on the Port of Cape Town for exports highlights the vulnerability of the Western Cape's blueberry industry to logistical challenges, such as the detrimental strike during the peak export season in 2022.
Source: freightnews.co.za