In Europe, blueberry flowering is developing normally and is already beginning in the later areas of the continent. This was reported by Sebastián Ochoa, director of Consultora Agrícola Comercial Santa María (CASM Blueberries) and founder of Blueberries News, following his recent visits to production fields in different European countries.
“At the moment I am in Georgia, in a beautiful blueberry plantation of the Sekoya Crunch variety, in a wonderful place with a view of the Caucasus,” he commented.
The international advisor explains that vegetative activity is beginning to intensify in several production areas. “In Europe, flowering is progressing quite normally and is already starting in the later regions of the continent.” The expert added that last week he also visited fields he advises in Italy, where “the plants are becoming active and show very good floral induction,” he noted.
During his tour of the orchards, Ochoa highlighted the good performance of the Sekoya Crunch variety, which for some growers has presented difficulties in inducing buds.
“Sekoya Crunch is a variety that some growers find challenging when it comes to bud induction, but here it has shown very positive performance. The management practices we have been implementing have been quite precise, and our growers are very satisfied, with plans to plant more area with this variety,” he explained.
According to Ochoa, these plants will enter their second production season, with very favorable projections. “We expect yields of more than 3 kilos per plant, so we are very satisfied with the results we are achieving,” he stated.
Market situation and fruit quality in Europe
Regarding the progress of the season in southern Europe, Ochoa noted that Huelva continues with good-quality production, although some climatic factors have affected the available volumes.
“In Huelva, production is moving forward and the fruit quality is good. However, there have been storms in Morocco that caused spotting on the fruit due to dust that fell last week. For this reason, volumes are not very high and prices remain quite attractive,” he indicated.
During his tour of European markets, he also evaluated the quality of fruit available in supermarkets.
“I was checking fruit in supermarkets and observed very good-quality product. I also saw some blueberries from Chile with mixed quality, for example from the varieties Ochlockonee and Brightwell, which are Rabbiteye varieties. The advisor warned exporters about shipping these varieties, as “the fruit looked poor and this creates damage to Chile’s country brand,” he stated.
Ochoa added that the difference in quality compared with fruit from other origins was evident.
“The difference compared with fruit from Huelva and Morocco was quite clear, and there was also fruit from Peru that looked very good in the supermarket. I visited supermarkets in London and Ireland, which are markets where high-value fruit is usually sold,” he commented.
International Blueberry Course in Georgia
As part of his visit to Georgia, Ochoa also announced the organization of an international specialization course in blueberry production, which will take place in Batumi.
“On November 24, 25, and 26 we will hold a specialization course in blueberry production in the city of Batumi, together with the Georgian Blueberry Growers Committee, chaired by Tornike Phanjavidze,” he explained.
The event is expected to bring together around 500 participants. “We invite the growers advised by CASM in India, China, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Georgia, Italy, Spain, and Romania, among other countries, not to miss this course,” he said. The invitation is also extended to anyone interested in participating, including growers from countries looking to enter blueberry production, as well as producers who do not yet work with CASM.
The event will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Batumi and will combine technical training with practical field activities. “It will include two days of in-person classes with some of the world’s leading blueberry specialists, along with a field day where we will visit the orchard where I am currently located,” Ochoa explained.
The farm features high-level production infrastructure, where the world’s main mid-chill and high-chill varieties are grown. “It also has an excellent packing facility, which will allow participants to see the entire process required to produce high-quality fruit,” he concluded.
