Global GAP blueberry
The production of berries has been expanding in recent years, and alongside raspberries and blackberries, more and more farmers are growing blueberries. One of the key factors driving this is the price of blueberries, which is more stable and increases year after year, meaning that profits can be quite high in some years.
The price, ranging from 700 to 800 dinars per kilogram, attracts new producers, particularly many raspberry growers who, due to a saturated market and uncertain sales channels, are switching to the cultivation of blueberries, blackberries, and currants.
It is a fact that the acreage of plantations is increasing, but producers must follow global standards regarding the quality of blueberries. The Global GAP certification ensures efficiency and safety in food production, enhances competitiveness, and helps producers meet the highest global standards, facilitating exports and market placement in retail chains and international markets.
Regarding the demand for Global GAP raspberries, the export value has increased compared to the previous year. The purchase price for fresh raspberries this year ranged from 500 to 650 dinars per kilogram, while in 2021, the average price was 420 dinars per kilogram. Although the price of raspberries reached a record high, the demand is significantly lower than in previous years.
This is primarily influenced by the global crisis, with consumers opting for basic necessities when making purchases, as well as reduced demand from the fruit processing industry across Europe, particularly Germany, which is Serbia’s largest export market.
Over the years, quality standards for raspberries have been raised, and this has been achieved, albeit with lower yields. One of the key reasons for this is the lack of high-quality certified planting material, the reduction of plantations due to diseases, production costs, labor shortages, and unfavorable weather conditions.
Despite the current situation, there has been growth in sales to newer markets such as Argentina and Saudi Arabia, where certified Global GAP raspberries are exported, but the quantities are still too small to significantly impact overall export growth.
Demand for Serbian certified Global GAP blackberries is higher this year than for raspberries, as Mexico and the USA, which were leaders in production, have been affected by severe droughts. The sale of blackberries is also aided by their use not only as fresh fruit but also as a base for making basic dyes in industry.
In previous years, the purchase price for blackberries was around 50 dinars per kilogram, but now it has reached its historic maximum. The price this year is around 200 dinars per kilogram for certified Global GAP blackberries.