Despite the multiple challenges faced throughout the season, South Africa’s 2025 blueberry campaign concluded on a positive note. This assessment was confirmed on the ground by Sebastián Ochoa, Director of the Agricultural and Commercial Consulting Firm Santa María (CASM Blueberries) and founder of Blueberries News, following visits to several commercial blueberry operations across the country.
“I am concluding a week of technical advisory work in South Africa; I am currently in the Western Cape region, approximately two hours from Cape Town,” the consultant noted.
According to Ochoa, the South African season closed with approximately 3,000 hectares planted, while around 26,000 metric tons of blueberries were exported during 2025.
However, one of the main disruptions occurred in early November, when strong coastal winds forced the closure of the Port of Cape Town for nearly two weeks. “This situation resulted in a backlog of more than 100 containers, causing a concentration of fruit arrivals into Europe, which negatively impacted market prices,” he explained.
Once this volume was marketed and absorbed by the market, conditions stabilized and prices showed a subsequent recovery.
Orchard Condition and Agronomic Management
Regarding production management, Ochoa highlighted the good condition of the orchards. “Pruning was carried out approximately one month ago, and the plants are showing strong vegetative growth; overall orchard condition is excellent. We are currently performing the first tipping to promote branching and shoot multiplication in this variety,” he stated.
In this context, the consultant anticipates a very strong 2026 season, while cautioning about a significant limiting factor in the Cape Town area.
One of the main factors of concern is water scarcity in the country. “During 2025, rainfall reached only between 100 and 150 millimeters, whereas normal levels exceed 300 millimeters,” Ochoa explained, emphasizing the critical importance of efficient water resource management.
The situation contrasts with what has been observed in northern South Africa. “A few days ago, I was in the Johannesburg area and as far as Kruger, visiting several production sites. There, the season is progressing well, and intense rainfall is currently being recorded,” he noted.
“While summer rainfall is typical in that region, this year precipitation levels have been above average, creating a favorable scenario for water availability heading into the 2026 season,” Ochoa concluded.
