This issue spotlights market momentum across Europe and the Americas, varietal and supply-chain innovation, and mixed signals on raspberry and strawberry pricing. Quality remains the growth engine while climate and logistics push growers to invest in resilient agronomy. Below, the key themes with expert commentary, source and date (no hyperlinks).
Markets & Campaigns (Blueberries)
Peru: 2025/26 blueberry campaign off to a strong start
Rising shipments and pricing pressure suggest a fast start driven by recovering yields and smoother Asia-bound logistics. For European retailers this brings greater continuity in size and crunch, yet calls for tighter promo management to protect margins. Peru reasserts its seasonal pivot role, shaping sourcing windows and promotional cadence across the EU and UK.
Source: Peru’s 2025/26 blueberry campaign off to strong start – Fruitnet/Eurofruit, August 14, 2025
Latin America keeps an edge over other origins
Trade sources note Latin American blueberries retaining an edge on quality and availability, sustaining year-round retail programs. The lever is a blend of varietal renewal, postharvest handling and logistics reach. For Europe, the impact is twofold: steadier supply but tougher price benchmarking during Peru’s peak weeks.
Source: Latin American blueberries have maintained an edge over other origins – FreshPlaza, August 14, 2025
Poland: a slow start, now improving
After weather-impacted early picks, exporters report volumes improving and quality stabilising. Initial lots were uneven, but size and shelf life are trending up. EU buyers should blend flows from Eastern Europe and lean on family packs with data-led promo timing to avoid overstocks while the crop normalises.
Source: Polish blueberry harvest has been slow, but gradually getting better – FreshPlaza, August 12, 2025
Innovation & Supply Chain
Peru trials new University of Florida selections
Peruvian growers are testing UF cultivars to lift yield, firmness and shelf life. The aim is to buffer climate volatility and differentiate during competitive peaks. If sensory and productivity targets hold, 2026 programs could feature genetics tuned for long ocean transits and higher-value markets.
Source: Peru trials new University of Florida blueberry varieties – FreshPlaza, August 14, 2025
Oregon field day: breeding insights for resilient crops
OSU’s event spotlighted pollination, weed control and stress tolerance, with practical takeaways to cut inputs and stabilise eating quality. Pairing genetics with cultural practices is key to maintain crunch and brix under erratic weather, enabling steadier calendars and cleaner retail contracts.
Source: Oregon field day reviews blueberry breeding – FreshPlaza, August 14, 2025
Blueberry Boost: USHBC selects first startup cohort
The program surfaces concepts from gut-health platforms to indulgent snacking, broadening use occasions. For brands, open innovation accelerates value creation beyond commodity; for retailers, category-led activations can turn storytelling into incremental margin.
Source: USHBC announces startups chosen for Blueberry Boost accelerator – Fruitnet/Eurofruit, August 13, 2025
Raspberries & Blackberries: Supply & Pricing
Netherlands: raspberry surplus pressures prices
Overlapping peaks from Spain and Morocco with Dutch harvest created oversupply and heavy price pressure. Higher labour costs squeeze grower margins. Retail guidance: monitor rotations closely and re-tune promo mixes (sizes, bundles) to keep volume moving without collapsing farm-gate returns.
Source: NL: Surplus of raspberries puts grower prices under pressure – HortiDaily, August 13, 2025
North America/Mexico: raspberry supply building
Summer volumes are solid and trending up towards the fall peak, with Mexico gaining traction to cover winter and spring. Expect steadier planning and multi-SKU displays. Retailers should segment by pack and quality tier (snack/premium) and align cross-category promos to maximise conversion.
Source: Increased raspberry supply ahead as Mexico gains traction – FreshPlaza, August 13, 2025
Serbia: weaker IQF yields for raspberries/blackberries
Industry estimates point to subpar IQF yields due to adverse weather, with only 40–50% of raspberries meeting freezing specs. Tighter availability is lifting prices and reshaping industrial contracts. Buyers should consider early cover and alternative origins to stabilise costs.
Source: Serbian IQF raspberry and blackberry yields drop, prices rise – FreshPlaza, August 12, 2025
Strawberries: Latest View
Global overview: production, share and quality
The round-up highlights stable acreage with productivity gains, while Spain faces weather-driven planning issues. Protected systems and varietal renewal underpin longer shelf life. For grocers, tie promotions to peak-quality windows and add recipe content to lift purchase frequency.
Source: Global market overview: strawberries – HortiDaily, August 16, 2025
Netherlands: bigger crop despite smaller area
Preliminary data show shrinking acreage in both open field and protected systems, yet rising output thanks to technical management and genetics. For retail, keep quality and continuity front-and-centre and avoid over-promotion during crop transitions.
Source: Netherlands doubles strawberry harvest despite smaller area – FreshPlaza, August 11, 2025
Agronomy & Resilience
USA (Michigan): drought-mitigating irrigation in blueberries
A newly deployed system delivers row-by-row water uniformity, easing reliance on rainfall. Outcomes include healthier plants, steadier ripening and more consistent size—an invest-to-save blueprint for other drought-exposed regions targeting reliable quality and fewer downgrades.
Source: US (MI): Blueberry grower uses irrigation system to protect crop amid drought – HortiDaily, August 12, 2025
