Fred Douven, ABB Growers: “The blueberry market is growing rapidly in southern Europe”
The peak of Chilean berry supply has passed once again. «Spain and Morocco are in the market with limited volumes, so I expect this to increase in the coming weeks. The price has been fairly stable over the past few weeks, but I foresee an increase in price in week 7,” says Fred Douven of ABB Growers. "The end of the season is usually not the best period, so it will be a search for high-quality products."
«The blueberry season abroad was good. South Africa did well last winter, and Argentina also had a good season against all expectations. The Chilean season is going much better this season after last year's quality problems,” continues Fred. «Sales were also good. The promotion worked perfectly throughout Europe and prices remained at a good level and stable. "We observe that foreign suppliers are having greater demand from the United States and Asia."
Meanwhile, cultivation in Spain and especially in Morocco is expanding greatly. «The question now is whether these countries can keep up with the organization of crops. It is not easy to find pickers and the berries will have to be harvested, processed and transported correctly. Time will tell if they are successful,” says Fred.
ABB Growers sells from northwest Europe to the south and east. «What is striking is that countries like Spain and France, where few berries were previously consumed, show considerable growth figures. There is still strong growth in Eastern Europe as well. “Sales continue to grow in the Northwest, but not like before.” Fred thinks the organic blueberry market is capricious. «Sometimes there is a lot of demand and sales go well, but now the market collapses again. "The organic berry market has more ups and downs than the conventional market."
«It is incredible that many of the cooperative companies are having difficulties. Without warning, large producers could go under. I hope Fruit Logistica shows that the brand is on the rise in berries. Consumers will not buy blueberries or strawberries, but rather a well-known brand. And we want to take big steps in this regard in the future!
Source: Fresh Plaza
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