Berries press review — August 22, 2025
Berries Press Review
Week of August 9–22, 2025. Highlights include Peru’s export diversification toward Asia, supply tensions for raspberries in Europe, mixed signals on strawberries, and heat impacts on North American wild blueberries. Thematic insights below.
Markets & Export Strategy
Peru pivots toward Asia for blueberry exports
Peru is aggressively targeting Asian markets like Japan and India, leveraging the new Chancay port to shorten transit times and reduce dependence on North American buyers. Strategy combines phytosanitary credentials, logistics investment and volume expansion.
Peru sees volume surge but price pressure mounts
2025/26 blueberry campaign targets a +25% volume increase, but oversupply is weighing on prices. Focus is on operational efficiency and varietal differentiation. New cultivars showcased promise longer shelf life and extended seasonal windows.
Supply Tensions — Raspberries & Blueberries (EU)
France: raspberry output peaks then softens
Raspberry harvest peaks in July–August, then declines through late weeks, extending inventory into week 48 for late variants. Quality remains solid, though climate and pest risks linger. Imports help buffer domestic demand.
Belgium: slight dip now, rebound expected in September
Belgian producers report a transitional period with stable demand and quality despite lower volumes. Prices steady; rebound expected from September — valuable insight for autumn promotional planning.
Poland: blueberry output recovering after slow start
Season started slowly due to weather, but quality and yields are increasingly strong. Varieties like Draper and Calypso achieving up to 15 t/ha. Better availability anticipated in coming weeks.
Climate & Production Impacts
North America: heat and drought cut wild blueberry output
Wild blueberry production in Canada and Maine sees a sharp drop due to heat and drought—from ~150 k to ~100 k t. Demand remains high; producers cautious with sales until season close.
Germany: early harvest, stable prices
In Lower Saxony, blueberry harvest concluded three weeks early due to adverse weather. Yet producer prices stayed above €4/kg, signaling tighter-than-expected EU supply.
Strawberries — Expansion & Innovation
Florida adds acreage and pineberries
Florida growers expand acreage (~300 acres) for 2025/26 season, with November market entry and ~15 acres for pineberries. Stable supply expected December–January; promotional activity likely from late February.
Protected cultivation boosts yield and resilience
Recent guidelines show greenhouse cultivation with shading extends growing windows and increases yields in cooler climates. Retail interest grows in near-annual supply, focusing on varietal choice, IPM and climate control.
