BERRYWORLD South Africa optimistic ahead of successful season
Leading soft fruit supplier is positive at the start of the South African blueberry season and expects volumes to increase by 15% year-on-year.
As southern hemisphere volumes from South Africa and Zimbabwe increase, the outlook is good for the 2022-23 season.
"It is still early days, but we are optimistic about the potential ahead and expect a 15% increase in production over last year. We are growing with our current portfolio of customers, while continuing to explore expansion opportunities in different market segments to give our growers exposure to a good mix of orders globally," says Jason Richardson, managing director of BerryWorld South Africa.
Founded in 1993, BerryWorld South Africa has become the largest exporter of blueberries in the country with growing areas with different chill hours in South Africa and Zimbabwe to ensure an earlier start and longer season.
Following the success of the first MBO releases first launched in 2017, the BerryWorld team has focused on expanding its premium varietal offering, aiming to optimize premium quality lines with top-tier international supermarkets, fostering shopper loyalty and driving consumption.
"In our 25-year history in berries, flavor has always played a key role in driving purchase and long-term industry growth, which is why we have focused on globally award-winning premium genetics to offer the highest quality varieties in a sustainable way every day of the year," says Adrian Olins, divisional CEO of BerryWorld Group.
One of the most prominent blueberry varieties is BerryWorld® Eureka Sunrise™, selected by world-renowned breeder Ridley Bell in 2014 for being early, as well as for its high yield and unique flavor, will experience 85% year-over-year growth this season, demonstrating an appetite for premium varieties.
Given the challenges facing the fresh produce industry globally, the BerryWorld South Africa team is employing several strategies to ensure it is a successful season.
"We have information and supply systems in place to help deal with the rigor of the current logistical landscape. At the same time, we are working to reduce complexity in the supply chain in order to provide good service to customers and deliver a high quality product that exceeds customer expectations," Richardson continues.
BerryWorld is confident that its strong supply of blueberries from South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as its unique varietal offering and market expertise, will continue to drive demand for berries throughout the year.
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