Mid-Summer News For Blueberry Industry News
International Blueberry News
Mexico’s blueberry industry growth may challenge South American exporters
Industry analysts estimate that Mexico, already the world’s 3rd largest exporter of blueberries, may see it’s blueberry harvest quadruple over the next few years. In 2014 Mexico harvested 10,000 metric tons. Read the article
USA Blueberry News
Michigan Blueberry Farmer Loses 1566 lbs of Blueberries in Theft.
Farmer’s blueberry order stolen from packing house. Loss included 87 containers, each packed with 18lbs of blueberries. Blueberry producers must take care to safeguard all aspects of their blueberry production, especially harvest that is prepared to ship. Read the article!
Summarized USHBC US/BC Crop Reports
Indiana/Michigan:
(July 21) Rain and wet fields present challenging conditions as mid season varieties peak. Machine harvesting to peak in a few weeks
New Jersey:
Other than second pick of Elliot’s, season is done. Crop volume 25% below expectations
Oregon:
(July 20) Some shrivel and smaller fruit due to weather. Yields lower than expected, but quality crop given weather conditions
Northwest Washington:
(July 21) Heat has caused some shrivel and downsizing but still have a good looking crop.
British Columbia:
(July 20) Volumes falling off. Elliot’s harvesting late July. Aurora on track for early August pick.
NY Ag News – New York Blueberry Season Peaking
New York State’s Department of Agriculture expects the 2015 blueberry crop to exceed 2014’s on about the same acreage due to maturing plants nearing full production. Approximately 700 acres of blueberries will be harvested in New York state. Read the article
New Naturipe 1lb Clamshells getting positive reviews from consumers. Naturipe has been promoting 1lb clamshells since Winter 2014 as a way to increase both sales and convenience to customers. 1lb Blueberry clamshells have the same foot print as strawberry clamshells. Same weight also allows grocers more flexibility to offer berry BOGO. (Derived from several articles) Read the latest article on The Packer website
Upcoming Fall Blueberry Events
5th Annual International Blueberry Organization Summit
September 7-9 — Coffs Harbor, Australia – More Information
MechHarvest 2015 – International Symposium on Mechanical Harvesting & Handling of Fruits and Nuts
September 13-16 – Richland, Washington – More Information
USHBC/NABC Fall Meeting
October 7, 8, and 9 – Las Vegas, NV – More Information
Sixth Biannual Berry Health Benefits Symposium
October 13-15 — Madison, Wisconsin – More Information
