Headlines from the past two weeks show blueberry momentum (Peru’s record and EU balancing via Chile/Egypt), a slow start for Spanish strawberries, new varieties (strawberry and blueberry) shaping premium positioning, and retail tailwinds for organics. Expect effects on Q1 assortments, promo timing, and premium allocation across Europe and beyond.
Markets & Trade
Peru’s blueberry revenue tops $2.5B
Peru closes the season above $2.5B in blueberry revenue, driven by market diversification and tighter post-harvest quality. For EU buyers: anticipate steadier supply, fiercer competition for large sizes, and the need to align promotions with Asian programs to avoid price clashes. Watch premium segmentation and organic availability as origin transitions kick in.
Source: FreshFruitPortal.com — January 15, 2026
Global blueberry outlook: balancing origins
Market notes point to Peru’s growth, Chile’s stable run with good quality, and Mexico’s focus on premium varieties. Overlapping windows call for arrival calibration and mix management to contain price pressure. For EU retail: flexible promotions, a firm organic presence, and varietal storytelling help defend margins during winter peaks.
Source: FreshPlaza.it — January 19, 2026
Diversified origins steady EU supply
Broader origin diversification (Peru wrapping up as Chile ramps up) underpins continuity in Europe. Splitting flows across sources helps cover sensitive weeks between the holidays and late January, improving service levels and premium size availability. Action points: close QC on arrival, dynamic channel allocation, and promo plans tuned to rotation targets.
Source: FreshPlaza.it — January 22, 2026
Egypt: blueberry season kicks off
Egyptian blueberries are underway, with an export window through May and peaks into spring. Egypt can ease pressure on Chile and Spain while adding range options in impulse packs. Priorities for buyers: post-harvest verification, flexible contracting, and integration with promos for 125–300 g formats.
Source: FreshPlaza.it — January 21, 2026
Egyptian strawberry prices stabilize
After a difficult start, Egyptian strawberry prices have stabilized, aiding winter entries into EU and Middle East markets. Consistent picking and reliable quality support rotations and protect retail margins. Consider lighter promos and tight returns control through the cold weeks.
Source: HortiDaily.com — January 13, 2026
Production & Harvest
Spain (Huelva): strawberry start below pace
The 2025/26 strawberry season in Huelva begins with lower weekly volumes due to cool weather and low sunlight. Expect delayed peaks, careful promo depth, and a focus on incoming quality. For Northern Europe retailers: keep flexible plans through late January/early February and highlight top lots with varietal messaging.
Source: Fruitnet.com — January 20, 2026
Raspberries: Spain expands Malaika plantings
Malaika raspberry acreage expands in Spain to around 200 hectares, aiming to stabilize winter availability, historically a weak spot. For the chain: more reliable programming and room to segment on flavor and quality. For buyers: explore mid-term agreements to secure continuity and uniform standards.
Source: HortiDaily.com — January 20, 2026
Innovation & Varieties
New Italian strawberry cultivar “Cleta”
Cleta (Geoplant Vivai) brings reliable yields and broad climate adaptability, supporting steady supply and strong eating quality. It opens differentiation opportunities for retailers and grower-marketers via origin/variety storytelling and premium positioning as Valentine’s Day approaches.
Source: FruitJournal.com — January 15, 2026
PeachyBlue drives category growth
The PeachyBlue case (Fall Creek) shows how breeding-to-shelf collaboration can lift the blueberry category, boosting results and premium segmentation. For EU: curate varietal sets, distinct packs, and theme promotions to recruit new shoppers and protect margins through winter.
Source: FreshFruitPortal.com — January 9, 2026
Retail & Consumption
Italy: Florence store checks show lower blueberry prices
Florence audits point to lower blueberry prices and a shift toward the 125 g pack. The strategy builds accessibility and winter rotations while keeping perceived quality. Playbook: test multibuy, keep a tidy organic set, and lean on visual merchandising as Mediterranean origins ramp up.
Source: myfruit.it — January 21, 2026
U.S. organics: berries up 10.3% in 2024
In 2024, berries led organic gains at +10.3%, confirming their role as a gateway category. For retail: narrowing price gaps, more year‑round supply, and the power of storytelling. Tactics: dedicated organic sets or smart integration, sustainable packs, and shopper education to spur conversion.
Source: ProduceBusiness.com — January 15, 2026
Policy & Economics • Research
Blueberries: thin margins trigger call for relief
The North American Blueberry Council flags thin grower margins amid rising labor, packaging, and logistics costs, seeking congressional action to keep the sector competitive. EU impact is indirect but relevant for price and availability during peak weeks.
Source: FreshFruitPortal.com — January 17, 2026
Argentina advances blueberry genetics
Argentinian researchers push for locally adapted blueberry cultivars to improve resilience, quality consistency, and shelf life. Medium‑term, that could strengthen Southern Cone programs and expand export options, intensifying global competition.
Source: FreshFruitPortal.com — January 16, 2026
