08/07/2020 | South Africa

In South Africa, the blueberry sector is still modest compared to other sectors such as citrus fruits but it has experienced exponential growth in recent years.

 

 

 

According to a recent GAIN Report, blueberry production in South Africa is expected to increase by 22% to reach 22,000 tonnes in 2020/21. With this increase in produced volumes, exports should increase in the same proportions and reach 18,000 tonnes in 2020/21.

 

 

 

Between 70% and 90% of the production of blueberries is intended for export. The UK is the largest destination market for South African blueberries, with a market share of 53% of total exports. Other European countries follow, such as the Netherlands (22%) and Germany (8%).

 

 

 

Negotiations are underway between the United States and South Africa for a possible entry of the South African blueberries on the American market.