Production and markets
Greece: gradual ramp-up for blueberries, raspberries and blackberries
Greek supply of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries is already on the market, but still at small volumes ahead of the main harvest expansion. Berry Plasma (contact: Antreas Kordonouris) points to a staggered ramp-up by crop and with different scale dynamics, implying careful planning across selling windows and availability. The takeaway for buyers is a season starting quietly, yet with the potential to build momentum over the coming weeks as harvest intensity increases.
Source: FreshPlaza — Date: 13 March 2026
Chile: 2025/26 exports up, driven by new varieties
The Chilean Blueberry Committee reports total exports at 92,900 metric tons (+2.7%), above initial projections. Executive Director Andrés Armstrong links the uplift to the ongoing switch to new genetics: shipments of new varieties rose 14%, offsetting a decline in traditional varieties. Europe led volumes (50% of exports) and grew, while the U.S. share fell (-13%) amid tariff and trade challenges. Overall, the data underscores Chile’s repositioning toward newer varietal profiles and market diversification.
Source: FreshFruitPortal — Date: 20 March 2026
Singapore: “Super Jumbo” Chinese blueberries to defend premium pricing
Kwek Global Pte Ltd is launching a program to import one container per week of Chinese blueberries into Singapore (from early March). Managing Director Hong Chew Kwek says the timing avoids direct competition with sea shipments from Peru and Chile, while targeting a “Super Jumbo” segment that resonates with younger shoppers and supports premium retail pricing. Key production regions mentioned include Yunnan and Shandong, with the strategy aiming at near year-round supply flexibility depending on origin windows.
Source: FreshPlaza — Date: 24 March 2026
Weather and production risk
Morocco: storms damage infrastructure; volume drops may exceed 20%
In Morocco’s Souss-Massa region (Chtouka Ait Baha area), repeated storms with strong winds and flooding have damaged greenhouses and disrupted orchard access. The International Blueberry Organization (IBO) estimates volumes could fall 15–25% (and up to 50% in some areas). IBO president Mario Steta highlights exceptional rainfall, lower temperatures and very low light levels as drivers of reduced output and operational constraints. The episode illustrates how extreme weather can quickly reshape winter windows, continuity, and local logistics capacity.
Source: FreshFruitPortal — Date: 16 March 2026
Quality, genetics and value-chain organization
Chile: post-harvest life becomes a baseline requirement, not a differentiator
After visiting growers, nurseries and labs, Global Plant Genetics (GPG) describes Chile’s blueberry sector as being in transition, not decline: traditional varieties are being replaced, and production systems are moving toward more intensive, tech-driven models. With competition expanding across Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia, quality is framed as the minimum entry ticket. Commercial success increasingly depends on consistency, post-harvest life, flavor, size, and the ability to hold quality through long logistics chains—linking genetics, agronomy, and post-harvest management into one competitiveness equation.
Source: FreshFruitPortal — Date: 23 March 2026
Planasa appoints a new Value Chain Manager Americas
Planasa has appointed Anja Grueterich as Value Chain Manager Americas, aiming to strengthen coordination with key stakeholders across North and South America and align execution with the group’s global strategy. Her profile includes experience within the SEKOYA blueberry platform (marketing role through late 2025) and reporting directly to Hans Liekens (Global Head of Marketing & Innovation). The move signals growing emphasis on value-chain governance and structured collaboration around varietal platforms. Media contact listed: Fernando Zaforas.
Source: GroentenNieuws — Date: 20 March 2026
Logistics and competitiveness
Peru: rising freight costs and route disruptions push logistics to the forefront
At the International Blueberry Seminar in Lima, logistics was described as strategic for Peruvian blueberries: transit time, arrival condition and market timing directly shape returns. Mario Salazar (President, Chavín Agricultural; director, Civil Association Frío Aéreo) points to freight increases of around US$500 above typical rates, plus instability from diversions and congestion. Meanwhile, China’s expanding production heightens competition across Asia. Responses highlighted include better routing scenarios, contingency planning and protected systems; investment needs can reach US$80k–100k per hectare, favoring medium and large operators.
Source: HortiDaily — Date: 23 March 2026
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