Los Angeles grower-shipper Gourmet Trading, which traditionally exports the majority of its home-grown blueberry crop to Asia, is enjoying heightened demand in Europe thanks to the emergence of a crunchy, sweet variety deemed perfect for consumers across the Atlantic, according to Eurofruit.

“The overwhelming majority of the blueberries that Gourmet Trading exports are targeted all across Asia,” Patrick Cortes, the firm’s export sales manager, told Eurofruit. “However, with the emergence of our Superblues variety we are finding an increase in demand in the UK and Europe.”

While the timing of the season does create a barrier for Californian-grown blueberries, the company is confident that Superblues possess all the characteristics to become a success in Europe.

“The challenge we find with our California blueberry farm is that the production window, mid-April to early July, is almost identical to that of European production,” Cortes continued. “Despite this we have huge opportunities with Superblues, a blueberry with a minimum diameter of 18mm that remains crunchy and sweet. Due to these unique characteristics, which are rarely found in fruit grown in Europe, importers in Europe can achieve a premium despite the added cost of logistics.”

He explained that the UK market in particular has been receptive to Superblues, while northern Europe, including the Netherlands, is also being targeted. Cortes also brushed off suggestions that the continent’s turbulent economic climate could have an impact on Gourmet’s export market.

“I believe the economic issues in Europe have only has a minimal impact on blueberry demand and consumption,” he noted. “We attribute this to the fact that there have recently been many studies touting the amazing health benefits of the blueberry, as well as increased plantings around the world.”

Meanwhile, the company has announced that Luciano Fiszman has been handed the role of procurement manager during the blueberry season, part of the staff reshuffle carried out in the wake of the unexpected passing of former president and CEO Chris Martin last year.

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