South Africa’s blueberry season tracks on target: Yield improvements, market shifts, and logistical focus

As the Southern Hemisphere blueberry campaign reaches a pivotal phase, South Africa’s export season continues on a steady path toward meeting its initial forecasts. Backed by an earlier start to volume growth and a strategic shift toward next-generation genetics, the industry is effectively navigating shifting harvest regions, international market dynamics, and ongoing port logistics challenges.

Export volumes tracking on forecast amid early season start

South Africa’s export campaign has maintained positive momentum into week 44, with volume trends staying consistent with early projections. Driven by changing weather patterns across key growing zones, the season experienced an earlier transition into higher shipment volumes.

“With week 44 export results in, the South African Blueberry export season continues to track on course to meet our export forecasts,” said Brent Walsh, CEO of Berries ZA. “With the current fluctuating climatic conditions, South Africa has also followed an earlier start to increasing volumes. The volume targets will continue to be influenced by what the conditions hold for the balance of our season.”

Production has now smoothly transitioned from the northern regions to the southern growing areas, which will supply the bulk of export volumes for the remainder of the campaign.

“We have seen the typical early volumes out of our Northern growing regions and have now shifted to the South where we will be mostly fulfilling our second half of the season volumes,” Walsh explained. “There were no material frost events experienced in the North this year, so the production volumes are in line with our expectations. Intermittent short rain events in the South require careful timing of orchard activity; however, these are being managed to maximize our outputs.”

Genetics drive higher yields per hectare

While overall planted area has remained relatively stable over recent years, South Africa is reaping the benefits of ongoing varietal replacement. Older plantings are systematically giving way to high-performing, premium genetics,driving noticeable gains in productivity and fruit quality.

“With similar hectares under production over the last few years, as a result of older varieties being replaced with new genetics, we are seeing a clear trend towards better yields per hectare,” noted Walsh. “South Africa has access to the full range of premium genetics and this supports our commitment to supplying high-quality product into the industry.”

This commitment to varietal innovation ensures that South African growers can deliver the firmness, size, and shelf-life required to remain competitive in demanding overseas markets.

Navigating trade flows and port efficiency

Geopolitical friction and severe weather at key shipping terminals have required proactive management from industry leaders. While geopolitical instability in the Middle East impacted targeted trade volumes to that region, strong demand from core European and UK markets has offset the shortfall.

“The geopolitical events taking place in the Middle East have hampered our targeted volumes into that region; however, we have been able to supply the increased demand into our traditionally strong European and UK markets,” Walsh stated.

At the same time, port operations—particularly wind-related delays at South African shipping terminals—remain a key focus area.

“Logistics continue to provide challenges which we are working together with our container terminal operators on,” Walsh added. “Wind-bound events in port have required our full attention. We will continue to push for efficiency improvements, particularly when we are put under pressure by these events.”

Strategic horizon: Opening access to high-growth asian markets

Looking beyond current campaign targets, Berries ZA is placing a strong emphasis on expanding market access across Asia to absorb long-term growth and diversify its export portfolio.

Significant advancement has been made on bilateral protocols with major Asian economies, alongside high-level trade visits to evaluate new market entries.

“With the trajectory of the South African market continuing to rise, we are working hard at looking towards new Asian markets to increase our export destination basket to support this growth,” Walsh highlighted. “We have made significant progress in the China and India market access protocol process and have recently participated in market access visits to Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea. These new markets will make a significant impact on our future growth opportunities.”

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