The South African Berry Producers’ Association is on an upward trajectory with research showing that the industry is set to record phenomenal growth in the next five years, creating major employment and export opportunities for the country.
Agricultural economist Nina Viljoen set out the findings of her survey at the recent annual general meeting of the association, estimating that the number of hectares of blueberries in particular would rise 136% in Limpopo and 102% in Mpumalanga.
The industry is dominated by three blueberry production companies: Berryworld South Africa, United Exports, and Haygrove SA, an affiliate of UK-based Haygro.
There’s high demand from the UK and the EU for blueberries in particular, as well as an increase in domestic demand. The industry is now looking to gain access to Asian markets where it is yet to complying with Asian protocols for the fruit.
The association said it would work closely with the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development to find solutions to access the markets out east. – Zoë van Rooyen
