Morocco Strengthens Its Position in the Global Blueberry Market: Challenges for European Farmers
The global blueberry market is currently undergoing a period of change and instability. In various regions, opposing trends are observed: while there is a noticeable shortage in North America, European farmers are facing pressure from retailers, and Morocco is actively expanding its cultivated areas.
This is reported by AgroReview
Blueberry Market Situation in Europe and the USA
In the Netherlands, prices for mechanically harvested blueberries remain favorable for local producers; however, retailers insist on lowering purchase prices. This is happening despite a limited supply in the market. Dutch farmers express concerns about competition from Serbia, Romania, and Poland. In these countries, prices remain stable due to sustained demand and crop losses from spring frosts.
In Italy, the blueberry season ended back in September, showing results better than last year: approximately 200 tons of berries were harvested from an area of 25 hectares, and wholesale prices for blueberries imported from Peru reached €17 per box. The last season was predominantly successful for Italian producers.
In Germany, the blueberry harvesting campaign concluded in August. After the local production season ended, the market was flooded with Lithuanian suppliers who brought in the late variety Aurora. Demand for blueberries remains high among both conventional and organic consumers.
The Spanish blueberry season finished in September. Due to delays in shipments from Peru, prices in the Spanish market remain elevated despite a record harvest in the province of Huelva — where 63,000 tons were collected, which is 8% more than last year. The French market still has local berries available, but the main volume of sales is provided by Peruvian blueberries.
In the United States, there is a shortage of Peruvian blueberries due to reduced export volumes. This supports favorable prices for local producers. Additionally, some Peruvian products have been redirected to other markets due to the introduction of a 10% import duty.
Export Dynamics and Production Expansion in Morocco
The Chinese market has shown an increase in demand for blueberries during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Thanks to the opening of the Changkai port, the delivery time for berries has been reduced to 25 days. At the same time, the increase in domestic production capacities in China may narrow the seasonal window for imports from Peru.
In India, regular air imports of blueberries from Peru and European countries continue, and the local harvest is expected to be collected early next year.
“Global blueberry markets remain unstable. In the Netherlands, prices for mechanically harvested berries are still favorable for producers; however, retailers are pressuring to lower prices despite limited supply. Dutch farmers are concerned about competition from Serbia, Romania, and Poland, where prices remain stable due to crop losses from frosts and sustained demand.”
In Morocco, the season started slowly due to summer heat, but the area under blueberries has increased to 8,000 hectares. Last year, the country exported 86,600 tons of berries, which is 28% more than the previous season. In 2025, Morocco plans to make its first shipments to China and increase exports to the USA, Canada, and Middle Eastern countries.