5. âAbout 80 percent of U.S. blueberry imports in 2019 were sourced from three countries: Peru, Chile, and Mexico,â USDAâs Economic Research Service reported in September. UK supermarket chain Morrisons representative Maria Pereira has visited Planasaâs R&D facilities in Huelva (Spain) to check out the new blueberry varieties that will be launched next autumn (October 2019).. After seeing the programme and tasting the six blueberry varieties, techincal manager at source Maria Pereira was amazed by the shelf life and ⦠The campaign is expected to start around March/April. According to the Peruvian ministry, Peru is currently in second place in the world rankings. The majority of the plants/seeds in Peru are sourced from U.S. genetics, with popular varieties in Peru Initial commercial evaluation of these varieties in low chill regions is showing promise. Wild blueberry farmers in the US state of Maine are now facing numerous challenges. Cultivated blueberry species were introduced to South America in the 1980s to evaluate their potential as a new fruit crop for the region. Peru is the main blueberry producer in America and one of the world's largest producers. Peruâs blueberry fields use state of the art drip irrigation systems to provide precise amounts of water and nutrients required, delivering water and fertilizer needs in accordance with climate, soil, and plant conditions. Peru believes it could easily expand its blueberry production to 7,000ha in the short-term Producers are investing in better tasting blueberry varieties for UK retail Driven by health, convenience, availability, taste and quality, blueberry sales are booming in the UK, and the trend is quickly sprouting shoots elsewhere. In South America Chile is the largest producing country, followed by Argentina, Peru and Uruguay. The production of southern highbush varieties occurs in California, as varieties originating from University of Florida, Connecticut, New Hampshire, North Carolina State University and Maine have been introduced. ... cultivated blueberry varieties can easily be planted on a large scale. Two varieties of kinds of blueberry plants needed for cross-pollination. Peruâs unique climate, abundant natural resources, and skilled hands have enabled transformation of our lands into a desert oasis where we grow the worlds finest breeds of blueberries, table grapes, asparagus, and avocados. Peru is also expected to hit the market with its blueberries earlier than last year and that will put some extra pressure. The boost in imports from these countries is a likely result of increased cultivation of newer varieties and expanded acreage devoted to blueberries in relatively new producers of blueberries, such as Peru and Mexico. United States Between January and October, the US was the most important export market, accounting for 195 million dollars. Highbush blueberry accounts for most of the commercial production of blueberry fruit and is also native only to North America. You need plants that will bloom at the same time. Self-pollinating blooms, but cross-pollination produces the best fruit crop. The Blueberry Industry is Going Global: Production and consumption are expanding around the world. In Peru have entered more than 30 varieties of blueberry plants 19/11/2015 From the 2004, the year that the first blueberry plants entered Peru, to date they have entered more than 30 varieties of said fruit, said the Inka's Berries nursery manager, Jaime Jiménez Núñez. Blueberry forms. USTR figures show Chile is the largest exporter of blueberries to the U.S. by volume and Peru is largest by value, exporting $485 million worth of blueberries to the U.S. in 2019. However, I was really puzzled because I used to have blueberry bushes at my home in the Seattle area. Highbush blueberries (including Vaccinium corymbosum) are generally 2â3 m (6.6â9.8 ft) in height but can reach up to 5 m (16.4 ft) and may also be referred to as huckleberry or swamp blueberry. "We expect Peru to become the biggest blueberry exporter by 2021, surpassing Chile," said one exporter. This variety does best in the south, southwest, and west coast. It it also offers technology transfer and horticultural support services through the companyâs applied research and grower support teams. Peru, Spain, and Mexico also have significant production, as of 2018 (see Production). Berries are excellent for baking. Southern Highbush varieties are typically a hybrid of the northern highbush and native southern blueberries or rabbiteye blueberries. File Photo: IOL JOHANNESBURG â Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza makes a compelling case for the ⦠Harvesters have to kneel down to reach them. Under a five-year agreement, the company will use UGA breeding material to search for varieties that are adapted to Peruâs unique production area. Opinion / 10 October 2019, 5:30pm / Jeán Kotzé Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza makes a compelling case for the potential of the agricultural sector as a means of achieving economic growth, unlocking job creation and bringing about transformation in the economy. We travel the globe in search of the finest varieties of high flavor, super healthy fruits and vegetables to grow on our farms. Height: 4' - 6'. Australia: Sector taking measures against drop in sale value Due to the economic impact of the coronavirus in Australia, Berries Australia expects a deficit of AUD 30 million (EUR 18.3 million) in the sale value of blueberries. A striking growth in a country where blueberries werenât thought possible! Like many fruits, cross pollination is a necessity for blueberries, but it also results in much larger yields. I had four bushes that were over 75 years old, and they produced a lot of wonderful blueberries. Growing two or more blueberry varieties near each other will give you more berries! Recently, the National Agrarian Health Service of Peru (SENASA) established the mandatory⦠Inkaâs Berries agriculture manager Jaime Jimenez told www.freshfruitportal.com more than 30 plant varieties had been imported into the Andean ⦠Jersey Blueberry - Dark blue, small to medium size fruit that has a very sweet in flavor. Lowbush blueberry varieties are, as their name suggests, shorter, truer bushes than their highbush counterparts, growing under 1 ½ feet (1.5 m.) generally. In 2014, NeSmith also traveled to Peru for discussions with Carlos Gereda, the head of Inkaâs Berries, regarding blueberry propagation. Although there are many varieties that require a few âchill hoursâ during winter in the cooler parts, there are many newer varieties that are propagated and can even be planted in our milder, sub-tropical regions along our coast and will still produce a good ⦠Although âhigh bushâ blueberry plants are native to North America, many would be surprised at the immense varieties available across the globe, and all the different places that they grow. In 2014, NeSmith also traveled to Peru for discussions with Carlos Gereda, the head of Inkaâs Berries, regarding blueberry propagation. Southern Highbush Blueberry Varieties. Under a five-year agreement, the company will use UGA breeding material to search for varieties that are adapted to Peruâs unique production area. After proving that Peru is a fertile country for innovation and farming development, blueberries are obtaining a greater share in Peruâs economy: 2011: The first year blueberries were exported; 2012: Exports totaled US$ 465,000; 2018: Exports totaled US$ 590 million . The operation, in particular, is the signing of a document of agreement between the Chilean company Hortifrut and Peru's Tal SA and El Rocío, for the purchase and merger of its blueberry business. Chinaâs largest blueberry suppliers are Chile and Peru. Peru has imported numerous blueberry plant varieties over the last decade or so, but the country has recently started assessing superior cultivars to plant through joining an international organization. One benefit Peruâs production could have for the U.S. blueberry industry is a potential for new markets, Brazelton said. Now, I did raise my entire garden organically, but I did not need to use any pest control on the blueberries with the sole exception of bird netting. Blueberry growing in South Africa: Compared to other northern countries, blueberries are relatively new to South Africa. Harvest. International demand and supply of blueberries has reached an all-time high in the past couple of years, and has not slowed down over the past year. For a bountiful fruit yield, plant more than one cultivar. Different varieties can grow from 2 to 6 feet tall. Because of the lowbush height and often rocky terrain, many wild blueberry fields cannot be harvested with traditional machinery, and must be hand-harvested. In Canada, British Columbia is the primary producing region for highbush blueberries. Very productive plant, ripening in August. About 80 percent of U.S. blueberry imports in 2019 were sourced from three countries: Peru, Chile, and Mexico (see figure below). Naturipe Farms offers conventional and organic blueberries year-round in a variety of package sizes, including our ready-to-eat blueberry snack packs. In 1993, Chile had 580 ha planted to ⦠These have been trialled in Mexico, Peru, Iberia and Morocco and selected for their superior fruit quality. Due to increasing competition from Peru and Morocco, the Chilean blueberry sector has seen the need to keep improving quality to maintain its leading role. Blueberries are highly genetic plants, improved and acclimatized to subtropical and tropical environments. More than half of all highbush blueberries are shipped to the fresh market, to keep pace with the ever-increasing demand. âAs new varieties come on line, Peru and Mexico, which isnât too far off from that speed, are going to be aggressively siphoning them off and introducing them.â Brazelton predicted Peruvian production to double by 2023. The blueberry supply is now mainly imported. In the document, the Chilean company agrees to pay USD160 million in cash and, in addition, Peruvian companies would keep the 17% of Hortifrut. You can expect growers in Chile to be innovative in production, increase organic production and replace older blueberry varieties with new ones with longer shelf life. âThe Fall Creek Collection is the first global genetics and services ecosystem for all chill levels in blueberries,â said co-CEO Cort Brazelton. Peru started exporting in September, when there was a good market and price. You can not just plant random blueberry plants next to each other, however. All the OZblu blueberry varieties meet our strict criteria for size (bigger range), taste (sweeter), firmness (crispier), colour (deep blue), natural bloom, a longer shelf life and juiciness â simply put a far superior quality of berry and eating experience! Naturipe blueberries are grown in many locations throughout North America and Canada from March through October, and in Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Argentina and Mexico during the winter months. Wild blueberry bushes are referred to as âlowbush.â They spread low and wide through runners, covering fields in a random manner. There are several areas devoted to blueberry production in China, but none of them are currently in season. These are best suited for central and south Florida. In late 2019, the company officially launched The Fall Creek Collection, its new blueberry genetics and services offering that provides growers with "an assured pipeline of blueberry varieties for all chill levels", the company says..