This week's press review is dominated by blueberries: shifting South American campaigns, product innovation, and early North African windows. From Chilean and Peruvian export outlooks to “probiotic” launches and record sizes in New Zealand, the category remains dynamic yet exposed to weather stress and logistics into EU/US. Key signals below, grouped by topic.
Blueberry trade & outlook
Peru consolidates exports and regional leadership
Peru’s 2025/26 campaign advances with exports concentrated among leading shippers. The ability to coordinate volumes and timing from La Libertad and Lambayeque remains pivotal for EU and North America. For buyers, expect reliable continuity but less elasticity at demand spikes: varietal choices and calendar discipline by top players will steer near-term pricing and availability.
U.S. pipeline not fully covered by Peru volumes
Market feedback suggests Peruvian shipments will not fully fill the U.S. pipeline short-term. Some districts are past peak while others are yet to enter it, making the market tighter than expected and more sensitive to logistics. Proarándanos will update estimates; retailers should fine-tune promotional cadence and origin mix during the transition.
Chile: modest increase in exports forecast
Projections indicate a moderate rise for 2025/26, with the frozen channel confirmed as strategic to place legacy varieties and safeguard quality. For European retailers, this points to more stable supply across late Q4–Q1, while processors can benefit from more predictable pricing in frozen.
IBO Summit: demand remains broadly positive
At IBO Summit 2025, the industry highlighted widespread consumption growth and the need for consistent quality beyond seasonal peaks. Producers prioritise climate resilience and post-harvest; retailers seek longer programmes with high-liking varieties. The outlook is upbeat, tempered by weather and logistics risks.
Innovation & product
Probiotic blueberries debut at IFPA Global Show
First-to-market concept: blueberries with a probiotic formulation pitched as a value-add lever in a mature category. The bet is on functional benefits with clear claims and strong in-store education. Execution will hinge on sensory stability and the ability to sustain quality through distribution to protect repeat rates.
New Zealand to grow the “world’s largest” blueberry
Eterna, reportedly ping-pong-ball size, enters commercial planting in NZ. Beyond the “wow” factor, watch shelf-life and flavour consistency on extra-large fruit. For the category, it’s a live test of premiumisation and varietal storytelling, with Asia-Pacific export markets in focus.
Regional production & seasonality
Poland: strawberries & raspberries strong; blueberries lag
A two-speed season end: strawberries and raspberries performed at or above expectations, while blueberries were weighed down by weather and timing. It underlines how tunnels/covers and varietal choice are decisive in Central Europe for stable yield and quality as cold snaps arrive.
Morocco: first early harvests in new areas
New early districts (Dakhla, Agadir) are easing in with small volumes. The aim is to advance the window and deliver continuity to Europe through autumn’s shoulder. Weather permitting, Morocco can become increasingly strategic in bridging South America and the Mediterranean.
Climate & post-harvest
Thermal/water stress: clear impact on yield and quality
Heat above 32 °C and frosts during bloom cut size, firmness and bloom, with losses up to 15–40%. In parallel, plant-based antioxidant solutions to extend shelf-life and preserve colour/texture in fresh-cut are gaining ground. The winning approach blends field practices and post-harvest interventions.
