Over the past two weeks the berries category showed mixed signals: downward price pressure on Peruvian blueberries and record Chilean flows to the U.S.; in Europe, the start of the strawberry and raspberry season is shaped by weather, costs and water availability. Sustainability initiatives on water stewardship intensify, while U.S. retail points to a lively promo environment impacting berries’ rotation and value perception.
Markets & Pricing
Peru blueberries: prices soften amid heavy supply
Peruvian blueberries face weak pricing as abundant supply and competing origins crowd the market. Importers report squeezed margins and tighter quality selection. Retail promos help volume but not price recovery, affecting export programs and turns. Growers lean on size, bloom and postharvest strength to defend value where possible.
Source: FreshPlaza.es – “Arándanos del Perú…” | Date: 29 January 2026
Chile ramps up blueberry shipments to the U.S.
Chile is accelerating blueberry shipments to the U.S.: streamlined logistics and a competitive window support solid volumes with steady retail demand. Exporters highlight firmness, flavor and residue perception to stand out from low-price offers. Tight control of cold chain and door-to-door timing remains critical to ensure consistent arrival quality.
Source: FreshPlaza.com – “Chilean blueberries to the US…” | Date: 21 January 2026
Production & Season Outlook
Italy/Spain: strawberries & raspberries under weather and cost pressure
Across the Mediterranean, early season shows uneven production: Spain’s weather affects picking, while Italy focuses on quality continuity and yield per hectare. Suppliers double down on varietal mix and transplant timing to secure supply. Demand remains price-sensitive, with room for premium only when supported by taste and branding.
Source: FreshPlaza.it – “Fragole e lamponi: tra meteo, costi e programmazione” | Date: 22 January 2026
NSG pipeline: strawberry selections for yield, flavor and resilience
NSG unveils strawberry selections targeting yield, flavor and disease tolerance, aiming to stretch the marketing window with consistent quality. Breeding focuses on postharvest performance and stable Brix to support premium segmentation. Commercial rollout will follow multi-site trials, with retailers keen on reliable calendars.
Source: Italiafruit.net – “NSG, nuove selezioni di fragola…” | Date: 29 January 2026
Sustainability & Water
Huelva strawberries: responsible water use across the chain
SanLucar places responsible water use at the core of its strategy: precision irrigation, soil-moisture sensors and certifications (SPRING, AWS) cut consumption and improve traceability. Over 90% of strawberry acreage lies in non-critical areas; cooperation with local stakeholders aims at basin-level management and long-term resource protection.
Source: Revista Mercados – “El reto de producir en condiciones de estrés hídrico” | Date: 28 January 2026
Retail & Trends
U.S. grocery 2026: promo intensity and implications for berries
Outlooks for U.S. grocery show strong promotional activity and a focus on value. For berries, this translates into healthy turns when backed by organoleptic quality and value-driven packs. Margin pressure persists as retailers prioritize reliable supply and differentiation via formats and origin claims.
Source: FreshFruitPortal.com – “U.S. grocery retail to find momentum in 2026” | Date: 21 January 2026
