In this ‘in charts’ mini-series of articles, Colin Fain of data visualization tool Agronometrics illustrates how the U.S. market is evolving. In each series, he will look at a different fruit commodity, focusing on a different origin in each installment to see what factors are driving change.
Over the last eight years, blueberries have seen impressive growth. They have gone from being featured as a common ingredient in cobblers, muffins and pancakes, to taking a new life as a superfood giving smoothies and breakfast cereals an extra antioxidant boost.
In 2017, the industry moved 38% more volume than in 2010 – an impressive level of growth, especially given the complexities of bringing this delicate fruit to market.
Blueberry Movements in Lbs
(Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics)
Pricing has strongly supported this level of growth, maintaining the yearly weighted average fluctuating between US$3.00 and US$3.30 per pound. Average pricing in 2017 reached a nearly all-time high of US$3.29 per pound.
Blueberry Shipping Point Prices per Lb in USD
(Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics)
The choppiness of the U.S. market prices and volumes are reflective of the intense seasonality that marks the industry, leaving two distinctive commercial windows with high pricing right around April and October.
US Blueberry Shipping Point Prices per Lb, by Month, Comparing the Last Four Years
(Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics)
Looking at the blueberry markets, there are loads of stories that can be told. For example, how producers have been working to fill the commercial windows mentioned – with incredible growth from Mexico and a focus on the April window, while Peru has been targeting the gap around October.
Another story we are looking forward to covering is the dramatic events happening during the U.S., where the freezes in the southern states and California are driving prices to the highest April and June have seen yet.
US Blueberry Movements by Month in Lbs, Comparing the Last Four Years
(Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics)
19/06/2018
