The global blueberry market is entering a new season amid an active redistribution of supply between origins and growing price pressure. In Europe, early-season availability is largely shaped by imports from the Southern Hemisphere – primarily Chile and Peru – while adverse weather conditions continue to delay the start of local seasons in several North African and European producing countries, writes FreshPlaza.
Europe: Imports dominate as prices come under pressure
The European blueberry market has opened the season with a smooth transition from Peruvian to Chilean supply. This shift is particularly evident in the Netherlands, which absorbed peak Chilean volumes in January. At the same time, pressure is building on the spot market, as part of the fruit remains in storage, forcing sellers to gradually reduce prices.
Importers working with fixed programmes and long-term contracts are managing volumes more effectively. By contrast, operators relying on spot sales are facing increasing challenges, with some lots held for up to a week, negatively affecting price levels. Retailers are actively using this situation to renegotiate purchasing conditions.
During the first weeks of the Chilean season, fruit quality was generally strong. However, weaker lots have started to appear more recently, prompting market players to shift attention toward the upcoming Moroccan season as the next source of high-quality supply. The Moroccan season is now expected to start around two weeks later than usual due to cold weather, which could lead to a short-term supply gap and very high opening prices.
Italy: Heavy imports keep prices firm
During the winter period, the Italian blueberry market is almost entirely dependent on imports. Peru remains the leading supplier, while the first shipments from Chile are already present on the market with good reported quality. The 125-gram punnet continues to be the most popular retail format.
Wholesale prices in Italy remain high but broadly stable. In Rome, first-class Peruvian blueberries are traded at €14–16 per pack, slightly below previous weeks. Prices range between €13.50–14.50 in Turin, €13–15 in Naples, and €13–14 in Verona.
Overall demand remains steady, while supply is almost exclusively import-driven, supporting consistently high price levels.
Spain: Cold weather delays the early season
Weather conditions in Spain are significantly slowing the arrival of early blueberries. Since mid-December, the province of Huelva has experienced low temperatures (below +5°C), prolonged cloud cover, and persistent rainfall. As a result, early varieties are behind schedule and volumes remain well below seasonal norms.
Although Spanish blueberries are already present on European shelves, the market continues to be dominated by supplies from Peru, Chile, and South Africa. A more substantial presence of Spanish fruit is expected only from mid-February onward.
Despite current challenges, blueberries continue to strengthen their position in Huelva, remaining the region’s second most important berry crop. Planted area has expanded to 3,802 hectares. Producers are focusing on varietal diversification to enable harvests as early as December and to compete more effectively with South American suppliers. At the same time, the sector is increasingly concerned about rising competition from Morocco, Egypt, and the rapid expansion of blueberry plantings in Portugal.
Germany and France: Import supply sets the tone
In Germany, the winter blueberry market is dominated by imports from Chile, Peru, and South Africa. The Chilean season started earlier than usual and is also expected to finish earlier, with total volumes projected to be similar to last year. Fruit quality is generally rated as good, particularly in terms of firmness and shelf life, supporting higher wholesale prices amid limited availability.
In France, the market is likewise driven by imports, mainly from Spain, Morocco, and Peru. January prices remain relatively stable, though slight declines are observed in some segments due to increased availability and stronger competition between origins. Additional pressure comes from quality issues affecting Spanish blueberries as a result of excess moisture.
North America: Strong demand absorbs supply
In North America, robust consumer demand continues to absorb large volumes from Chile and Peru. Chilean shipments are expected to wind down by the end of February, while Peru maintains steady export flows. Mexico is approaching its seasonal peak in early February.
In the United States, domestic production is gradually gaining momentum. Organic blueberries from Oxnard, California, are expected to reach full production by mid-February. Despite seasonal rainfall and cooler morning temperatures, fruit quality remains strong.
In Florida, an expected cold spell may slightly adjust harvest timing, which currently runs two to three weeks ahead of last year. Significant volumes are anticipated by late March or early April. Overall, the market remains well balanced, with prices stable and favourable for growers.
South Africa: Export season ends, volumes shift locally
South Africa is concluding its blueberry export season following favourable weather conditions in the Western Cape. However, port congestion from week 40 onward led to part of the export volume being redirected to the domestic market.
During the 2025/26 season, South Africa exported approximately 25,600 tonnes of blueberries, mainly to the EU and the UK — an increase compared with the previous season. Nearly 72% of shipments were transported by sea.
In northern regions, ongoing heavy rainfall has disrupted harvesting, though operations are expected to resume shortly, with most volumes destined for the local market.
North Africa and Latin America: New players and rising competition
Egypt is gradually establishing itself in the blueberry market, taking advantage of an early export window running through May, with peak harvesting between February and March. While current volumes remain limited, producers expect Egypt to become a more significant player within the next 5–7 years, complementing Moroccan supply.
In Morocco, the season has started around three weeks later than last year due to adverse weather. Early harvests are facing challenges with fruit coloration and Brix levels, but overall volumes are expected to increase thanks to expanded planted area. Peak production is forecast for April, provided weather conditions stabilise.
Peru enters the 2025/26 season with export volumes up nearly 20%. A longer production window and higher supply levels are intensifying price competition, particularly during weeks of seasonal overlap. Variety renewal and market diversification remain critical to maintaining profitability.
Chile continues to offer a stable January–March commercial window, supported by improved fruit quality and slightly higher prices compared with last season.
Mexico is focusing on premium varieties and lower volumes, helping maintain balance between supply and demand. Ecuador remains a niche origin with limited volumes and higher FOB prices, targeting mainly the domestic market and selected export channels.
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