Exporters of OZblu blueberries are spruiking the popularity of their offering in the Chinese market, with an entire consignment of Chilean-grown fruit reportedly selling within hours of arriving in Beijing last week.
The berries sold at a rate of around 300kg per hour, according to a release from United Exports, the company that has commercialised the OZblu varieties and markets the fruit around the world.
“The Chinese consumer is arguably the most discerning buyer ofquality fruit globally,” said Roger Horak, founder and global CEO of United Exports. “Our fruit literally flew off the shelves as if it were a Black Friday sale, except that this was not at a discount.”
LaFrut, the company producing OZblu varieties in Chile, was equally as ecstatic with the result.
“That has to be a record for blueberries at the fresh produce market,” said Andés de Witt, managing director of LaFrut.
Horak said the performance reaffirms the growth in the blueberry category in China, along with changing consumer preferences. “The market will pay for premium fruit that meets their requirements,” Horak explained.
