The European blueberry market is currently under considerable pressure. "There are enormous quantities of blueberries on the market. Especially from Peru, which shipped 30% more berries in the past few weeks than last year. The South African strikes are, thus, not inconveniencing the berry market - there's still plenty of product available," says Laurens Snijders of Exsa Berries.
"The supply/demand market has, thus, become somewhat unbalanced, and prices are under pressure. Supply peaks usually make this time of year quite difficult for the berry market. Loose blueberries are selling for €4.50 and €5. This week, major retail promotions are planned. I hope that reduces the market's stock."
Recently, Exsa Berries tried flying Zimbabwean blueberries into Europe. "That went well, and we'll definitely keep going," continues Laurens.
"With blueberries, there's often either too much or too little product on the market. With air freight, you can fill in shortages quickly. Also, the berry season in Zimbabwe ties in nicely with the Dutch one."
Exsa Berries was begun as Exsa Europe's separate soft fruit branch late last year. Thanks to a partnership with Goes De Meern, the company can fulfill all its customers' packaging needs.
According to Laurens, how blueberry sales will develop in the coming years depends largely on consumption. "Many countries, with Peru leading, have plenty of new plantings coming into production. The market can only remain balanced if consumption increases," he explains.
Adelita raspberries from Egypt
Alongside the blueberries, the company currently offers raspberries from Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Also, there are plans to expand Egyptian raspberry production soon. "The raspberry market, too, is now imbalanced due to a large Southern European production. Plus, there are still Dutch raspberries on the market."
"The blackberry market is always volatile. With those, it's genuinely hot, then cold. Everyone's also curious to see what the heated crop will look like toward spring. Refrigerated redcurrants had a good growing season. Demand for berries from CA storage is usually fairly stable during this period. That demand normally peaks towards the holidays," Laurens concludes.
For more information:
Laurens Snijders
Exsa Berries
Tel: +31 (0) 682 099 256
Email: laurens.snijders@exsaberries.com
Website: www.exsaberries.com