In a year yet to be fully assessed for its challenging intensity and with an anticipated season decline, the Mexican blueberry sector convened at the XXXI International Blueberries Seminar in Guadalajara on June 5 and 6. The event aimed to scrutinize the industry's current state and formulate optimal strategies for the imminent future, which is unanimously seen as replete with opportunities due to the persistent rise in blueberry demand.
Juan Jose Flores, director of Aneberries, delivered a keynote on the "Analysis of the 2023/2024 season: results and projections," detailing the external adversities faced by the industry, including climatic issues, rising input costs, and low prices. Flores emphasized the imperative for Mexican producers to focus on delivering high-quality, healthy produce. He highlighted the unexpected decline in a sector accustomed to growth in areas such as cultivation, production volume, and export figures. Flores urged the industry to uphold high quality and food safety standards, prioritize consumer preferences, maintain global leadership in sustainable practices, and explore domestic markets for expansion.
Ricardo Márquez, commercial manager of Fall Creek, in his presentation "Update on the blueberry market in Mexico: production, marketing and genetics," noted the industry might not achieve the 80 thousand tons of the previous season. However, he projected a swift return to growth, driven by the introduction of new varieties, which now constitute 74% of the total cultivated area. This, despite a slowdown in new projects, is expected to boost yields significantly due to advanced genetics.
Source: blueberriesconsulting.com