“ We are a small producer in international

terms. Our main competitors in

blueberries are South American countries

such as Chile which produces about 17

000t of blueberries a year and Argentina

which produces about 14 000t. But we can compete with these European

Young plants at various stages in growth.

countries because of our geographical proximity to the market.

“ We also compete well in terms of quality. We don’ t necessarily produce a better product, but we do produce a more consistent product, because we have a smaller number of producers, therefore making it easier to ensure that quality controls are in place throughout the industry,” says Trevor McKenzie, chairperson of the South African Berry Producers Association.

The total value of berry sales in the UK increased from around GBP170-million( about R2.2-billion) a year in 2001 to GBP668-million( about R8.6-billion) in 2010. Given the huge potential for growth in this sector, it should be no surprise then that the berry industry was singled out as one of the smaller, labour intensive industries with huge expansion and labour creation potential in the National Planning Commission’ s development plan.

Unlike the other fruits such as apples, grapes, citrus and avocados that are consumed locally and exported in large volumes, berries are more delicate to handle and have a very short shelf life. When cooled within one or two hours after harvest and packed under optimum conditions, berries can have a shelf life of eight to 10 days. A relatively brief period to allow for distribution and getting the berry from farms, such as, in the Western

Cape, to supermarket shelves in London and still have three or four days to be purchased by the consumer.

Consumer quality and shelf life is very much dependent on the handling and cooling rate of the freshly picked berry which arrives at the pack house at temperatures of between 20 and 30 ° C.

After picking in the growing tunnels, the berries are packed into punnets in the field, then transported to the pack