“It has been a unique domestic blueberry season so far,” says Leslie Simmons with Dave’s Specialty Imports. “Florida had issues with cool weather and production was halted as a result. Once Florida’s supplies started to strengthen, blueberry crops from Georgia and North Carolina came into the market, dramatically increasing supplies.”
Supply outweighs demand
With production increasing so quickly from three growing areas, the market has been saturated. Although demand for blueberries is very good, it doesn’t match supplies currently. “As a result, prices seem to be much lower than where they were this time last year for both conventional and organic blueberries,” mentioned Simmons.
Market to stabilize soon
Simmons expects supply issues to level out in about two weeks. “The market should become more stable as Florida will be finishing up harvest within the next week and there will be a small supply gap in Georgia as the Highbush variety finishes and the Rabbit Eye variety starts to enter the market.” North Carolina is expected to continue having strong supplies. “We are hoping to see a more stabilized market through Memorial Day,” Simmons shared.
In addition to the US, Dave’s sources blueberries from Mexico this time of the year. However, Mexico crossings are erratic and don’t seem to have a strong impact in shifting the market at the moment. During season, Dave also sources from Canada. If British Columbia starts early again this year, supplies could impact the market.
