News

Ahead of the incoming Biden Administration’s first major trade dispute, American and international blueberry berry growers, importers, distributors, purchasers, and suppliers have aligned to form The Blueberry Coalition for Progress & Health. The Coalition has been organized to oppose limitations on blueberry imports, including the upcoming International Trade Commission hearing on blueberry imports.  All members agree that imports are not a substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic blueberry industry. In fact, the U.S. blueberry market is healthy, thriving, and is doing its best to keep up with the year-round marketplace demand for this fruit.  

Peru's blueberry exports in 2020 had a moderate increase in volume and value when compared to the previous year. According to a report by Agrodata Peru, in 2020 the country exported 155,645,103 kilos of blueberries for a FOB value of 833,137,981 dollars, while in 2019 it exported 122,031,496 kilos for 810,062,300 dollars.

Chilean blueberry volumes in the U.S. and European markets are forecasted to be similar to those of last year, but the industry could face some challenges this season, according to industry sources.

When Patricio Muñoz developed the University of Florida’s newest blueberry variety, he wanted to name the fruit in honor of Alto Straughn, a longtime, strong supporter of UF’s blueberry breeding program.

United Exports says that Dutch authorities have seized a container of OZblu blueberries that were exported from South Africa without its permission.

Poland is the largest producer of currants, gooseberries, raspberries and the second largest producer of strawberries in the EU. With a share of over 50%, Poland is an important EU producer of frozen fruit and soft fruit concentrated juices. Poland is the world's largest producer of currants and gooseberries, and in recent years also raspberries and the fourth in the world in apple production and fifth in strawberry production. Poland is one of the largest producers of frozen fruit and concentrated juices made of soft fruits.

The pandemic has boosted the consumption of healthy and beneficial foods, such as fresh blueberries, and increased their demand globally. This is good news for blueberry-producing countries, which now expect to increase the volumes they will market this season and achieve better prices.