US production of cultivated blueberries is expected to amount to a record 205m pounds, even taking into account poor weather in May. Output in Georgia is predicted to rise 33 per cent, Oregon by 28 per cent and Washington 15 per cent. Gains are also likely in Indiana and Florida, albeit from a low base.
Given this background, fresh exports are forecast to rise, especially to the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium and Canada. In 2003 alone, total sendings generated $17.6m compared with $11m in 2002 and $8.2m in 2001.
Meanwhile, wild blueberries in one of the US's leading growing areas for the indigenous fruit have been severely hit this season. Maine, which accounts for well over a third of the US wild blueberry harvest, is looking at one of its smallest crops since 1991. According to the New England Agricultural Statistics Service, this year's output is forecast at 52 millon pounds, 34 per cent down on the five-year average.
Behind this has been severe winterkill, a situation aggravated by a cold wet spring, which hampered pollination. In total Maine accounts for production of 25 per cent of all North American wild blueberries.
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