Christiaan Koellreuter, from Nordgemüse Krogmann (Germany):

“There will be more than enough blueberries until the end of the year”

The current blueberry market is characterized by its diversity and the many origins of the fruit. “Supply from Serbia and Romania is picking up, while the last Spanish batches, as well as merchandise from Italy and Portugal, are reaching the market. Since week 25 the first batches of German tunnel production have also started to arrive, and in a few days we are also expecting the first open field batches of the Duke variety. The assortment will be complete within one to two weeks with the first shipments from Poland,” says Christiaan Koellreuter, Managing Director of the North German trading company Nordgemüse Krogmann, about the current supply situation.

Unlike last year, Koellreuter continues, all the main growing regions in Europe are harvesting at full capacity. “We expect a harvest increase of 15 to 20% in Germany compared to last year. Also in Serbia, Romania and Poland there are big forecasts in terms of yield and the quality is expected to be very good. From what is known right now, we are also expecting an above average crop in South Africa, so we can expect a good supply situation until the end of the year." To avoid surpluses, Koellreuter anticipates that this year, in close collaboration with the retail trade, more larger containers will circulate on the market, of about 750 grams and 1 kilo.

Prices slightly lower than last year
The start of the season in Germany has been characterized by high demand. Koellreuter assures "that the demand for high-quality blueberries is especially high, since the quality of the last Spanish batches was not very remarkable, partly due to the heat. However, the Spanish season is surprisingly long this year. Normally, the supply of Spanish blueberries is already low at the end of May." As for the Serbian product, the main variety that is supplied right now is the Duke. “Most Serbian productions are marketed for two weeks, so it is often unavoidable to have to lower prices to speed up marketing.”

In general, prices in the last two months have been quite weak, according to Koellreuter. "Prices were rock bottom after Easter, but since then they have recovered somewhat so we are now slightly below last year's level." Blueberry growers are also facing rising costs, while commercial prices tend to move in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, this is making some blueberry growers in Germany fear for their livelihood. Among other reasons, because German merchandise is not reaching the best prices. For this reason, we recommend that growers market their products through various channels –between 70% and 80% through us and between 20% and 30% through direct marketing–, to facilitate the establishment of a healthy purchasing structure”.

German blueberries on the rise
As in other European countries, the early Duke variety remains the standard blueberry on the German crop market. “In the near future, however, other characteristics will be in demand, such as suitability for mechanical harvesting methods. For the late varieties, on the other hand, I see less potential for growth, as Poland puts more and more pressure on the market with its volumes in the second half of the season. Normally the German main crop is on the market until mid-October, and then the German supply is much more limited.”

Although he does not have specific figures, Koellreuter notes a growing interest in blueberries on the part of growers. “Southern Germany has also recognized the potential of blueberry production and is supplying ever larger quantities; something that is clearly being felt in the wholesale markets. Fortunately, we also have plants in the southern German region, so we are in an excellent position in this segment as well.”

Blueberries of first quality throughout the year
Nordgemüse Krogmann has achieved a high level of recognition in the classic wholesale market with its brand premium Die dicken Blauen. Koellreuter states: “Today, we have the capacity to supply high-quality blueberries – in bulk or in carton trays – to our select buyers in the wholesale markets throughout the year. The customer rewards this superior quality by paying a good price.”

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