Data compiled by the South African Berry Producers Association (SABPA) reveals that South Africa’s blueberry production is expected to reach a record high of 17,000 tons this year, up from 11,300 tons in 2018. This will mean an exponential increase in jobs created, up from 1,000 in 2014 to 8,000 in 2019. Furthermore, by 2023, production is expected to reach 50,000 tons which will translate into 14,000 jobs.
Amidst the doom and gloom of South Africa’s recently released unemployment figures, this is a very good story to tell. But the story could be so much better if South Africa’s blueberry industry could gain access to core export markets in the Far East. The potential to grow the export markets is huge. At present, approximately 70% of blueberries produced locally are destined for export markets. The value of blueberry exports grew from R133 million in 2013 to R1.058 billion in 2018.
Currently, South Africa does not have access to key markets like China and South Korea at a time when blueberry imports are growing phenomenally in these markets. In China, for example, blueberry imports grew from 2,400 tons in 2013 to more than 12,000 tons by 2017. At the moment, China imports its berries mainly from Chile and Peru but South Africa has shorter transit times to markets in the East compared to competitors, and the ability to expand production throughout South Africa due to the versatility of blueberry crops, which can be grown virtually anywhere.
South Africa wants to gain access to the Chinese market, a lack of export protocols is preventing this. Export protocols for other fruits have taken as long as 12 to 17 years, but representatives do not want to wait this long. The South African Berry Producers’ Association (SABPA) has therefore written to Minister Thoko Didiza to request a meeting to find solutions to these obstacles. The association hopes that the minister will do whatever it takes to help create thousands of jobs in this exciting emerging sector.
For more information:
Thabi Ndhlovu
South African Berry Producers Association
Tel: +27 061 993 6672
https://www.saberries.co.za/