Mirtillo

Globarl prices were stable in week 45, with a slight increase in references, together with prices, which showed an increase over last week on 18% of the products surveyed.

Grey mould and other fungi, responsible for fruit rot, lead to significant economic losses and food waste. Researchers have found that compounds derived from sunflower production waste are effective in combating blueberry mould in post-harvest conditions.

Portugal ranks fourth among blueberry producers in the Europe-North Africa region, with a production of 18,000 tonnes in 2022. Exports are directed mainly to Spain, France and the Netherlands, with +35% in 2022.

Index slightly up at +1.8% due to growth in the standard segment. All other segments remained stable with organic slightly down. Total references also increased, with the average per sign reaching 3.5 references.

The general price index of the Italian retail declined. Raspberries down 1.5%, accompanied by blueberries at -3.3%. Stable situation for redcurrants.

In this exclusive interview with Italian Berry, Hamid Ashrafi talks about the history and the achievements of blueberry breeding at North Carolina State University as a testament to almost a century of dedication, innovation and relentless commitment to the advancement of blueberry cultivation.

The annual meeting of the Portuguese Association of Blueberry Producers (ANPM) concluded with a technical day at Nberry in Sátão, which hosted a meeting where the event's technical sponsors were able to show their solutions live to producers.

Pedro Bras de Oliveira emphasises the urgent need for the sector to reconnect and revitalise existing orchards. The cultivars currently planted in Portugal are obsolete and genetic improvement has led to new, more productive and resistant blueberry varieties.

The two-day event opened in the morning with the speakers' speeches, and will end tomorrow 28 October with a technical visit to a blueberry sorting, grading and packing point.

Considerable damage to farmers was caused by deformation and deterioration of metal structures (15% of tunnels), tearing of plastic (80% of plots), fruit damage (loss of up to 20% of raspberry production) as well as uprooting of plants.