Two traditional South African tobacco farms in Limpopo are undergoing significant transformations in becoming sustainable blueberry producing farm businesses under United Export’s premium OZblu brand.

Blueberries remain a popular product. In Latin America, great investments are still made in the cultivation of these berries. Chile is the market leader at this time of the year, but Peru has the ambition to become the world's largest exporter in the next two years. Other countries also see opportunities in the product's export. North America remains a major destination for the fruit, but exports to Europe and Asia are also on the rise.

Blueberry cultivation is relatively new worldwide. The global demand for the product continues to grow, mainly due to the healthy properties attributed to the fruit.

Budding blueberry sector offers fruitful job prospects- South Africa .

Data compiled by the South African Berry Producers Association (SABPA) reveals that South Africa’s blueberry production is expected to reach a record high of 17 000 tons this year, up from 11 300 tons in 2018.

The harvest of the last marketable blueberries is underway in Europe and North America. In Europe, Poland is the largest player and expects its acreage to continue expanding in the coming years.

South Africa’s berry industry is set to continue on its remarkable growth trajectory in the next 5 years, with the number of hectares planted projected to increase by more than 80% by 2025. The number of hectares of blueberries in particular will increase by 136% in Limpopo and 102% in Mpumalanga.

Who would consider the impact of orchard trellising on a  carbon footprint?

Chile grows its blueberries in 11 of the country’s 16 regions, with a total of 18,374 hectares being cultivated. The majority of the volumes are shipped to the United States, and this year’s season has been really prosperous in terms of volumes, quality, and demand, says Karen Brux of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association.

2019 will be looked back upon as the year that the global blueberry industry began a new trajectory.

South Africa’s blueberry exports for 2019/2020 grew by more than 50% on the previous year, setting a new industry record and continuing the industry’s remarkable growth story.

United Exports is pleased to have reached agreement with the Rossouw Farming Group over the licence breach which led to the seizure and confiscation of two blueberry container shipments in Rotterdam recently.

European harvests of blueberries face issues in supply caused by cold spells of weather, whilst an excellent US harvest arrives to a market lacking in other berries, much to their advantage. Spain in particular predicted a 40/50% increase in harvest, which has failed to materialise. Demand and consumption remain good across the board, creating high prices due to the lower supply in many countries.

Trade and production of blueberries is expanding globally as product development boosts their profile in form and function. Hailed for their flavor, versatility, and health benefits, blueberry consumption has expanded beyond fresh, ranging from pureed to powdered forms.