The city of Santarém, Portugal, will once again become a key reference point for the berry sector with the 14th edition of the National Blueberry Producers Meeting, organized by the Associação Nacional de Produtores de Mirtilo (ANPM).
Over the course of two days, the event will bring together growers, researchers, consultants and companies from across the supply chain, coming from Portugal and several other European countries, confirming its role as one of the leading technical discussion platforms for the blueberry sector in the Iberian Peninsula.
The objective is to analyze the emerging challenges of the sector, share agronomic innovations and discuss the trends that will shape the future of blueberry production.
An expanding sector facing new challenges
In recent years the European blueberry market has experienced significant growth. Rising demand for healthy foods, together with the development of new varieties and more efficient production systems, has supported the expansion of cultivation in several countries.
Within this context, Portugal is increasingly emerging as one of the rising players in the European landscape, thanks to favorable agro-climatic conditions and the progressive professionalization of the sector.
However, the sector’s growth also brings new needs: improving fruit quality and post-harvest shelf life, as well as the ability to meet international market standards, has become a priority for growers and exporters.
Innovation, sustainability and market trends at the center of the program
The technical program of the meeting will address several strategic topics for the sector’s development, including:
- innovations in blueberry agronomic management
- development and adaptation of new varieties
- strategies for sustainability and resource-use efficiency
- technologies for production and post-harvest management
- evolution of international markets
- fruit quality and storage performance as key factors for competitiveness
Technical presentations and fruit quality
Among the most anticipated presentations is that of Paula del Valle, an international expert in quality, innovation and post-harvest management in the blueberry sector. Her presentation will analyze fruit behavior after harvest and the importance of aligning production management with market requirements in order to improve final quality and shelf life.
In an increasingly competitive global market, blueberry quality does not depend solely on field management. Variety, harvest timing, fruit handling and storage and transport conditions directly influence the product’s ability to maintain firmness, flavor and visual appearance throughout the entire distribution chain.
The presentation will highlight how decisions made during the production phase can determine the final fruit quality and its ability to withstand increasingly long transport routes to international markets.
Integrating from the outset agronomic strategies, varietal selection and post-harvest management makes it possible to reduce losses, improve consistency in quality and ensure that the product reaches consumers in optimal condition.
A forum for the future of the European blueberry sector
With fourteen editions behind it, the National Blueberry Producers Meeting organized by ANPM has established itself as a key platform for knowledge exchange and discussion on the sector’s challenges.
The presence of international experts highlights the growing global dimension of the industry and the importance of technical collaboration to support the sustainable and competitive development of European blueberry production.
Source: www.myblueproject.com
Image source: Freepik
