Blueberry production increases but access to important markets remains closed

Blueberry production in South Africa is expected to increase by more than 45% this year. Professionals in the sector are calling on the government to accelerate negotiations to allow access to important markets in Asia.

 

 

 

Data from the South African Berry Producers Association (SABPA) shows that blueberry production in South Africa is expected to reach a record of 17,000 tonnes this year, up by 5,700 tonnes from 2018.

 

 

 

At present, about 70% of South African blueberries are for export. But these products do not have access to key markets like China and South Korea where blueberry imports are growing phenomenally.

 

 

 

For other fruits, export protocols took 12 to 17 years. The South African blueberry sector can not wait so long for access to the Chinese market. Professionals are calling on the government to work more closely to overcome barriers to Far East market access.