Blueberry season in South Africa: good start in the north and uncertainty in the Western Cape

The season began with good prospects in the northern producing regions, where producers expect favorable results due to solid yields, good quality fruit, and attractive export prices. In the Western Cape, however, the scenario is less clear due to a warmer winter, flood damage, and potential port disruptions.

The blueberry season in South Africa has had a good start in the northern producing regions. In Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the North West, producers project good results, supported by solid yields, high-quality fruit, and favorable export prices. In the Western Cape, where nearly half of the country's blueberries are grown, the outlook is more uncertain. Producers are waiting to assess how a warmer-than-usual winter, flood damage earlier in the year, and potential port disruptions will impact the campaign. The season in this area will begin in October. The production of blueberries in South Africa continues to expand, and producers are increasingly targeting premium marketing windows for export. Image: Lindi Botha. North performing well and caution in the Western Cape Nicolas Balcomb, director of Primocane Capital, a company that operates blueberry fields in Mpumalanga and the Western Cape, noted that their operation in Barberton has had an excellent season. However, flood damage ...