The Producers Association of Blueberries The French Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producers (APMF) renewed its board of directors at a time that combines institutional continuity with positive expectations for the upcoming season. Côme Lapierre assumed the presidency, replacing Caroline Barbier, recognized for her work in structuring and developing the sector, while the new board aims to continue and strengthen the initiatives already underway.

This shift coincides with a campaign that, so far, is showing positive signs. With no significant frosts, satisfactory flowering, and spring-like conditions that have supported crop development, the French sector expects volumes at least equivalent to, and even higher than, those of 2025, in a period marked by the expansion of plantings, varietal renewal, and the challenge of continued growth in consumption.

Maintaining momentum

Among the ongoing projects, the APMF highlights the development of its orchards, which now cover nearly 600 hectares, along with a significant varietal renewal. The association also seeks to continue making technical progress within the orchards, an aspect it considers essential to face increasingly intense European and global competition.

Another strategic priority for the new presidency is market development. Although consumption of blueberries In France, consumption continues to grow, although it remains at limited levels, with an estimated average of 160 to 170 grams per inhabitant in 2025, far from the 2 kilos per person recorded in the United Kingdom.

One of the ways that has already been identified to boost consumption is to improve product visibility on store shelves. blueberry “It’s an impulse purchase, so its visibility on the shelf is essential,” stated Côme Lapierre. In addition, the association is evaluating another lever: the evolution of the sales format, moving away from the traditional 125-gram tray model to give more space to bulk sales.

A sector that continues to organize itself

The APMF will also continue to strengthen its internal structure. The arrival of a new treasurer aims to consolidate the organization of a sector that has made significant progress in recent years.

Currently, the association has over 170 members, representing approximately half of French producers. It has also broadened its membership to include other stages of the supply chain, integrating nurseries, distributors, and suppliers, and forging alliances to increase its visibility. Among the companies involved are Berry World, Planasa, and Fruits Rouges & Co.

A promising campaign

“French production is quite good,” said Côme Lapierre. There have been no frosts this year, and flowering has been satisfactory. The young vines are still developing, which allows us to anticipate volumes at least equivalent to—and even higher than—those of 2025.

Spring weather conditions, especially in the southwest, are also viewed with optimism. The dry weather has helped limit disease pressure and suggests good-sized, high-quality fruit.

The market, the main point of focus

The only factor that still generates some caution is the market, especially in the current economic climate. Even so, the initial indicators are considered reassuring.

“The context is not favorable, but it seems that the blueberry “It’s working well,” Lapierre noted. As an example, he mentioned the start of the season with Morocco, marked by lower fruit availability and prices around €20 per kilo, well above normal. Despite this, sales volumes haven’t plummeted and the market has remained dynamic.

New APMF directive

The new board of directors of the French Blueberry Producers Association (APMF) is composed of:

• Côme Lapierre (producer of Lot and Garonne), president
• Caroline Barbier (producer of the Vosges), secretary
• Jocelyn Joncour (producer of Finisterre), treasurer
• Marie Laure Bodergat (producer of Morbihan), assistant treasurer