Over the past two weeks, berries headlines split across trade momentum (finance and retail), food-safety enforcement in the EU, technical events in strawberries, and plant-health alerts in North America. These forces will shape assortment, promotions and Q1 pricing, especially as buyers juggle origin transitions and premium lines.
Markets & Trade
Chile’s blueberries gain traction in South Korea
Latest market notes highlight solid demand for Chilean blueberries in South Korea, supported by smoother logistics and tighter post-harvest quality. For EU buyers, this implies a more competitive pull on premium sizes and arrival windows, with possible ripple effects on promo pricing and the allocation of top-grade lots between Asian and European programs.
Source: FreshPlaza.it – 8 January 2026
Safety & Regulation
France suspends imports containing chlorpyrifos-methyl, including strawberries
French authorities have suspended imports of produce containing chlorpyrifos-methyl, explicitly referencing strawberries. The step underscores a zero-tolerance stance on non-compliant residues and compels suppliers to re-validate protocols. Retailers should intensify audits and sampling plans, while exporters must ensure updated certifications and clear traceability.
Source: FreshPlaza.it – 7 January 2026
Brands, Retail & Finance
Fruitist secures funding to scale retail footprint
Poland’s Fruitist closed a new round to accelerate its store network and digital channels. The investment focuses on shopper experience, high-rotation assortments and omnichannel integration. For berries, the model favors fast turns, perceived quality and in-store education—supporting premium positioning even in winter weeks.
Source: FreshFruitPortal.com – 7 January 2026
Well-Pict appoints new sales lead to push strawberries
California brand Well-Pict strengthened its commercial team with a new sales head to drive growth and key accounts in strawberries. Expect emphasis on brand value, supply continuity and promo planning at peak exposure periods, with effects on premium mix, yield management and terms with major retailers.
Source: Fruitnet.com – 8 January 2026
Events & Innovation
“Strawberry Day” (NL): genetics and sustainability take the stage
Dutch Strawberry Day convenes breeders, technicians and marketers to share updates on varieties, resilience and sustainable crop management. Focus areas include productivity under cool conditions, post-harvest optimization and input reduction. The genetics-plus-agronomy approach targets stable quality standards, improved shelf life and tighter commercial timing.
Source: HortiDaily.com – 8 January 2026
Cultivation & Plant Health
USA: blueberry crown gall detected in Washington State
Researchers reported crown gall in blueberries in Washington. The disease can reduce vigor and yield, calling for integrated responses: clean planting stock, field biosecurity, rotations and targeted monitoring. For EU import programs linked to North America, the issue raises supply-continuity questions and invites risk-mitigation planning.
Source: FruitGrowersNews.com – 7 January 2026
