Blueberries continue to boom in South Africa with exports up by 27%

Remarkable result for the South African blueberry which recorded in 2020 an export volume higher by 27% than in the previous year.

 

 

In South Africa, the blueberry sector is experiencing remarkable growth. According to the recently renamed SABPA (South African Berry Producers Association) BerriesZA, blueberry exports in 2020 totaled 15,636 tonnes, up by 27% from the 12,221 tonnes exported the previous year.

 

 

This volume exported in 2020 confirms the growth of the South African berry sector, which rose from 1,792 tonnes exported in 2015 to 15,636 tonnes exported in 2020. This export expansion is explained by steadily increasing international demand. which encouraged South African producers.

 

 

For the future, South African professionals plan to achieve production of 62,000 tonnes and exports of 44,000 tonnes by 2024. In addition to the usual markets, such as the UK and the Netherlands which receive 75% of total exports, the sector plans to conquer new markets, mainly in the Far East.

 

 

SABPA (South African Berry Producers Association) was a producer organization. With the new name, BerriesZA, the organization includes all actors in the value chain who will work together to ensure the best possible results for the industry as a whole.