Blueberries remain South African agriculture’s good news story as production has yet again soared.
According to the South African Berry Producers’ Association (SABPA), production for 2019/2020 increased to 18 000 tons from 11 700 the previous year. Projections for the year ahead indicate that blueberry production could reach 25 000 tons for the 2020/2021 season.
This represented a solid increase considering the impact of the Covid-19 crisis, said Justin Mudge, chairman of SABPA.
"This impressive growth in production of 53% is testament to the growing investment in, and demand for, South African blueberries," he added.
It follows record export figures in 2019/20 when 12 282 tons of the fruit left South Africa. At present around 68% of all blueberries produced in the country are exported.
Mudge said Limpopo and Mpumalanga were the significant growth areas where the sector was projected to grow by 136% and 102% respectively by 2025.
According to Mudge this year’s planting season is already under way - and so far, so good.
“We have every expectation that this year will be as productive as previous years,” he said.
