The harvest is slowly moving northwards. In the US, California is closing the season to make way for the north western states. In Europe, there is an overlap between the south and the north. Due to good weather in the north, the harvest has started early, while in the south the weather has not been as favourable. In Spain, the harvest was unexpectedly larger, so great volumes have been available late in the season. In general, however, the mood is positive, especially in France, where the fruit is linked to the national football team (Les Blues), which will be playing in the coming weeks in Russia. The dust hasn’t fully settled in the southern hemisphere. Although the season there has come to an end, Latin American countries are opening up new markets, with China being especially attractive. Also, part of the Chilean sector is concerned about the quality of the berries and the impact this may have on the country’s competitiveness.
US: Northwest taking market over
California is preparing for the end of the season, after which the harvest shifts to other states in the US. There is currently sufficient supply, according to a trader. The season is shifting from California to the northwest of the US. “The harvest in California was not as big as expected this year. We suffered frosts in March and these had a big impact.” The season will gradually come to an end in the coming weeks. “Hot weather has been forecast and heat and blueberries don’t mix well, so the campaign will likely finish quickly,” says a grower.
For growers in Georgia and North and South Carolina, it has been a good season. A trader explains that there were no surpluses, so the market has stayed in good balance. Over the past 15 to 20 years, the demand has grown explosively, but traders now expect this growth to slow down. With the end of the season in California, the price is also on a falling trend. The best prices are usually obtained shortly after the campaign kicks off. As the volume increases during the season, the price falls.
(read more) Source: freshplaza.com