This press review highlights key news from the last fourteen days in the berries sector, focusing on significant weather impacts and production trends. In the US, a record cold snap inflicted heavy losses on blueberry and strawberry crops, although some Florida growers report a rebound in strawberry supply as weather improves. In North Africa, severe flooding in Morocco has disrupted soft fruit harvests, threatening output and logistics.
- Read also our special feature After the storms: learnings from berry fields in Southern Europe and Northern Africa curated by Jorge Duarte
Weather and crop conditions
Florida: push for a USDA “disaster declaration” after the freeze
The late-January/early-February cold event is reported to have left visible damage in production areas: blueberry farm visits showed barren-looking fields, while the political letter referenced a potential strawberry shortage tied to the February 2–3 freeze. The key concern is duration: beyond immediate losses, growers and buyers may face disruptions to volume planning and supply programs for weeks—possibly longer for certain crops.
Source: FreshPlaza.com
Publication date: 11 Feb 2026
Huelva: Freshuelva estimates a 50% drop in berry exports after severe storms
Freshuelva is compiling damage data after a succession of storms that had a “very significant” impact on the ongoing campaign. Early indications point to a 50% reduction in exports, highlighting not only direct crop loss but also the need for support measures to restore commercial continuity and fulfilment capacity. For the market, the message is clear: reliability and export rhythm are under pressure.
Source: HortiDaily.com
Publication date: 12 Feb 2026
Huelva: “most extreme conditions in 30+ years” and quality pressure
Operators in Huelva describe a combined wind-and-rain pattern that stresses tunnels, harvesting and grading, forcing tighter selection and more cautious “time-to-market” management. The same report connects the situation to Northern Morocco—flooded fields, damaged structures and port closures—meaning part of the fruit reaches the market 5–6 days older. The downstream risk is inconsistency in quality and availability.
Source: HortiDaily.com
Publication date: 11 Feb 2026
Andalusia: Storm “Marta” further reduces berry supply
Storm impacts and excessive moisture are reported to have caused significant production losses and operational constraints, especially for sensitive crops. For berries, the immediate outcome is a tighter supply environment and greater volatility in harvest and shipment schedules. This can amplify short-term price swings and trigger quick sourcing adjustments, as buyers balance continuity needs with quality requirements.
Source: HortiDaily.com
Publication date: 10 Feb 2026
Morocco: season ends early for many soft-fruit growers
In several Moroccan production areas, weather disruption and field access issues are pushing many farms toward an earlier-than-planned campaign finish. The challenge goes beyond volume: intermittent picking and postharvest handling under stress increase the risk of quality downgrades. For European markets, this translates into reduced availability precisely during weeks of strong rotation, adding pressure to alternative origins and programs.
Source: HortiDaily.com
Publication date: 13 Feb 2026
Trade and export dynamics
China: blueberries move toward near year-round export timing
2023–2025 data indicate both volume growth and a longer export calendar, with shipments appearing outside the classic March–June window. Regional production timing (subtropical areas earlier, temperate provinces later) supports availability, while logistics hubs and destination mixes evolve. Strong price differences by market underline segmentation and channel effects. The signal for global trade is a new layer of timing competition for other exporting regions.
Source: AGF.nl
Publication date: 10 Feb 2026
Innovation, varieties and technology
Yumio: building a branded raspberry around consistent year-round quality
FruitMasters and BrightBerries introduced Yumio as the new name for the Rubin raspberry and launched a chain “club” model to deliver uniform quality and year-round supply. The concept relies on a more resilient variety selected under stress, targeting improvements in shelf life, yield and growing ease. The ambition is explicit: create consumer recognition comparable to premium apple brands, but in raspberries.
Source: FreshPlaza.com
Publication date: 10 Feb 2026
Berryum: blackberry breeding focused on adaptability and system change
Berryum highlights how genetic diversification is reshaping blackberry production, aiming to address sanitary pressure and stricter phytosanitary constraints with more suitable varieties and stable performance. A key takeaway is the need for local trials: one variety will not deliver identical results everywhere, so early collaboration with growers helps optimize outcomes. The strategy supports international competitiveness, steadier supply and lower loss risk from pests or adverse weather.
Source: FreshPlaza.it
Publication date: 12 Feb 2026
Packing: AI-driven weight control and higher line efficiency for delicate fruit
Packaging automation is moving toward AI and deep-learning systems designed to manage natural product variability and improve weight control and throughput. The stated goal is better efficiency on sensitive items such as blueberries (and cherries), where overweight, yield loss and mechanical damage can erode margins and shelf performance. The positioning is clear: this is no longer “future tech” but an operational solution already deployed across regions.
Source: Groentennieuws.nl
Publication date: 05 Feb 2026
Genetics and field validation: early blueberries performing well in Southern Spain
Technical field visits in Andalusia reported uniform fruit development and berries matching early-market needs, with emphasis on firmness and storability. Some growers are also adjusting canopy and crop management (e.g., “pinching”) to concentrate ripening and improve harvest efficiency. The broader message is the importance of aligning genetics, production systems, climate and harvest logistics to improve predictability and competitiveness in a key European region.
Source: Groentennieuws.nl
Publication date: 09 Feb 2026
Prices and market signals
Italian wholesale markets: updated price snapshot up to February 13
The update aggregates price checks from major Italian wholesale markets and provides a useful short-term reading tool. In a context marked by weather-driven disruption across multiple origins, wholesale quotes are a key indicator of tension between demand and availability. The value lies in cross-market comparability and consistent timing, helping professionals interpret week-to-week shifts and potential assortment repositioning.
Source: FreshPlaza.it
Publication date: 13 Feb 2026
