The berries scene over the past two weeks features blueberry momentum (Peru record, Morocco kicking off), mixed harvest signals (early Greece, weak Canada wild crop), strong varietal innovation (new strawberries, retail wins), and trade policy moves in the U.S. Expect effects on Q1 assortments, promo timing, and premium allocation between Europe and Asia.
Markets & Trade
Peru’s blueberry revenue surpasses $2.5B
Peru closes 2025–26 with record blueberry exports and revenue above $2.5B, driven by market diversification and tighter quality. For EU buyers, this means steadier supply and fiercer competition for larger sizes, while promo windows need careful alignment with Asian programs to avoid price clashes. Watch premium segmentation and organic availability.
Source: FreshFruitPortal.com – January 15, 2026
Morocco: first blueberry volumes land in the EU
Moroccan blueberries are arriving about three weeks late due to cold weather, with volumes still on track. The slow start could support firmer prices in early weeks, nudging promo planning across Northern Europe. Retail takeaway: keep flexible plans through Jan–Feb and blend with alternate origins (Peru/Spain) to safeguard premium standards.
Source: FreshPlaza.it – January 16, 2026
Italian retail: Chilean blueberries down in price and pack size
Bologna store checks show a shift to the 125 g format and lower prices on Chilean blueberries. The move signals an accessibility play to sustain winter rotations while preserving perceived quality. For category leads: test bundles, multibuy, and a tidy organic presence; use visual merchandising to defend margins as Mediterranean origins come on line.
Source: myfruit.it – January 9, 2026
Production & Harvest
Greece: strawberry campaign starts early
Greece kicks off earlier on strawberries thanks to favorable weather. Expect an earlier origin transition on EU shelves and short-term relief for Spain/Italy into early February. For buyers: stage premium lines around initial peaks and calibrate promo depth to incoming quality, keeping an eye on weather-driven logistics.
Source: HortiDaily.com – January 12, 2026
Canada: Nova Scotia wild blueberry crop down 55%
Nova Scotia’s wild blueberry harvest plunged 55% after 2025 drought, tightening supply and lifting price/mix in North America. EU impact is indirect yet relevant for processing and private label, with possible shifts to cultivated and frozen alternatives. Watch contracting and industrial availability through Q1.
Source: FreshFruitPortal.com – January 8, 2026
Innovation & Varieties
Bayer debuts “Baya Solara” strawberry
Bayer launches its first commercial strawberry under the De Ruiter brand, targeting quality standards and performance in protected culture. The move anchors the group’s berries strategy and offers a new varietal option for flavor and logistics. Expect effects on brand programs, shelf life and premium positioning at retail.
Source: Fruitnet.com – January 8, 2026
Italy’s new cultivar “Cleta” enters the scene
The “Cleta” strawberry from Geoplant Vivai promises reliable yields and broad climate adaptability, supporting de-seasonalization and consistent quality. Retailers can leverage differentiation and origin/variety storytelling ahead of Valentine’s Day and spring.
Source: FruitJournal.com – January 15, 2026
PeachyBlue boosts category growth at Sprouts
The PeachyBlue case study shows breeding-to-shelf collaboration driving category gains, strengthening premium segmentation and innovation pull. For EU retail, it endorses focused varietal curation, theme promos, and distinctive packs to recruit shoppers and protect margins in winter weeks.
Source: FreshFruitPortal.com – January 9, 2026
Labor & Operations
Spain (Huelva): Moroccan seasonal workers arrive
The first 420 Moroccan workers reached Huelva to kick off strawberry and red fruit harvests. This supports operational continuity at a critical time, easing risks of bottlenecks in picking and packing. For EU programs, a likely stabilizing effect on flows to Northern Europe and Italy over the next weeks.
Source: HortiDaily.com – January 15, 2026
Research & Policy
U.S.: petitions over Mexican winter strawberry imports
Strawberry Growers for Fair Trade filed petitions alleging dumping of Mexican winter strawberries, citing market distortions and harm to Florida growers. Potential outcomes include tariffs and pricing shifts, with knock-on effects for U.S. demand and indirect opportunities for EU exporters.
Source: FruitGrowersNews.com – January 6, 2026
Argentina advances blueberry genetics
Argentinian researchers push varietal adaptation to local climates to enhance competitiveness and resilience. The work targets more consistent quality and shelf life, laying groundwork for stronger commercial programs across the Southern Cone and broader export options.
Source: FreshFruitPortal.com – January 16, 2026
U.S. retail: organic keeps growing, berries shine
Organic berries posted double-digit 2024 growth in the U.S., reinforcing shoppers’ focus on health, perceived quality and functional packs. In Europe, this points to added room for bio lines and family formats. For merchants: optimize mix and entry price points with clear origin/variety messaging.
Source: ProduceBusiness.com – January 16, 2026
