2024-09-16 05:25:08
The season that is ending has been both good and bad for Quebec blueberries. Good because the harvests are abundant, bad because this abundance has lowered prices for producers.
Published at 1:25 a.m.
Updated at 8:00 a.m.
Quebec also fought with British Columbia to sell its blueberries in supermarkets and producers cried dumping. The price received by Quebec producers did not cover the costs of picking their blueberries, and some left them in the fields.1.
This is because blueberries are traveling more and more and Quebec and Canada, which are traditionally major producers and exporters of the blue fruit, have competition. Blueberries are native to Canada, but they are now grown everywhere. We are no longer alone.
Blueberries have never been so popular around the world. This small fruit with multiple virtues, known for its antioxidant properties, is highly sought after by consumers who are increasingly concerned about healthy eating.
There are two types of blueberries: wild blueberries, which grow close to the ground, and corymb blueberries, which are picked from shrubs. Quebec wild blueberries are mostly sold frozen and come mainly from Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
Of all the fruits produced in Canada, blueberries are the most exported and the most profitable. In 2022, blueberries accounted for 70% of Canadian fruit exports, in dollars, according to Statistics Canada.
Rush for blue gold
Table of Contents
While several countries around the world have taken up blueberry cultivation, none have been as successful as Peru. A country where cultivation was virtually non-existent a decade ago, it is on track to overtake the United States as the world’s leading blueberry producer.
Peru’s success is attributable to several factors, including seasonality. While the producing countries are in the Northern Hemisphere, where the harvest is concentrated in a few months of the year, Peru benefits from a climate that allows it to produce fruit year-round, and in quantity.2.
In 2022, Peruvian producers exported 287,806 tonnes of blueberries, worth US$1.4 billion. In the same year, Canada exported just over CAD$660 million.
Peru mainly exports fresh blueberries, but the abundance of fruit on international markets means that an increasing volume of fruit is sold frozen, which has a direct impact on Quebec, which mainly exports frozen fruit.
Here, as elsewhere, production varies greatly from year to year, and climate change could change the situation for producers. In Quebec, the idea of creating a strategic blueberry reserve, based on the model of what exists for maple syrup, has already been raised by the producers’ union to stabilize production and prices.
But unlike maple syrup, whose production is concentrated in a few regions of the world, blueberries are now found everywhere. Canada is no longer the king of blueberries, you have to get used to it. Even the legend that a single blueberry from Lac-Saint-Jean is enough to make a pie has had its day. This year, a blueberry grown in Australia, as big as a golf ball, claims the title of the largest blueberry in the world.3.
1. Read a Radio-Canada article
2. Read a BBC article (in English)
3. Read an article from the Guardian (in English)
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#Economic #Planet #Quebec #Blueberry #War
- What are the main challenges faced by Quebec blueberry producers in 2024?
Quebec Blueberries: A Season of Abundance and Challenges
The 2024 blueberry season in Quebec has been a mixed bag for producers. On the one hand, the harvests have been abundant, but on the other hand, this surplus has led to lower prices for producers. This article explores the factors contributing to this situation and the global trends affecting the blueberry industry.
A Bumper Crop, but at What Cost?
Quebec producers have had a good harvest, but the abundance of blueberries has resulted in decreased prices. This has made it difficult for producers to cover their costs, leading some to leave their blueberries unpicked in the fields. The situation has been further complicated by the competition from British Columbia, which has led to allegations of dumping. The price received by Quebec producers has not been enough to cover the costs of picking their blueberries, leaving many feeling frustrated and uncertain about their future.
Global Competition
Blueberries are no longer a rare and exclusive commodity. With their cultivation spreading to new regions around the world, Quebec and Canada, traditionally major producers and exporters of blueberries, are facing stiff competition. Blueberries are native to Canada, but they are now grown in many countries, making it a global market. The increased competition has put pressure on prices, making it challenging for Quebec producers to compete.
The Rise of Blueberries
Blueberries have never been more popular. Their antioxidant properties and reputation as a healthy food have made them a sought-after fruit globally. Consumers are increasingly concerned about healthy eating, driving up demand for blueberries. This trend has led to an increase in blueberry cultivation around the world, further intensifying competition.
Types of Blueberries
There are two main types of blueberries: wild blueberries, which grow close to the ground, and corymb blueberries, which are picked from shrubs. Quebec is known for its wild blueberries, most of which are sold frozen and come from the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.
Canada’s Blueberry Industry
Blueberries are Canada’s most exported and profitable fruit. In 2022, blueberries accounted for 70% of Canadian fruit exports, in dollars, according to Statistics Canada. The industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, making it essential to address the challenges faced by producers.
The Rush for Blue Gold
Peru has emerged as a major player in the global blueberry market, with its production expected to surpass that of the United States. Just a decade ago, blueberry cultivation was virtually non-existent in Peru, but the country has made rapid strides in this area. This has led to concerns among Quebec producers, who are struggling to compete with the low prices offered by Peruvian producers.
the 2024 blueberry season in Quebec has been a complex and challenging one. While the harvests have been abundant, the low prices have made it difficult for producers to sustain themselves. The global competition, fueled by the rising demand for blueberries, has added to the pressure. It is essential for the industry to address these challenges and find ways to support Quebec producers, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the blueberry industry.
Keyword List:
Quebec blueberries
Blueberry industry
Canada fruit exports
Peru blueberries
Global competition
Blueberry prices
Quebec producers
Blueberry cultivation
* Healthy eating
