News

Great year for blueberries

By Rodney Woods

Aug 31, 2019

Record numbers of blueberries are set to hit stores in the region due to perfect growing conditions recently.

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This year is predicted to be one of the best growing seasons on record, with an abundance of quality fruit expected due to excellent weather conditions in Australian growing regions, according to Berries Australia executive director Rachel Mackenzie.

“Warm, dry, sunny days and cool nights for our growers mean that the consumer will be spoilt for choice in relation to finding great value blueberries over the next few weeks,” she said.

“This year's crop conditions have been more than ideal in growing the freshest and highest quality blueberries just in time for the warmer weather to hit.”

After last year’s severe frost wiped out many of the 2018 season’s crops, this record crop totals to about 4.8 million punnets of Australian blueberries, weighing more than 600 tonnes.

Ms Mackenzie said Australia’s climate was ideal when it came to producing quality fruit, in comparison to other countries.

“We are very lucky here in Australia to have an excellent climate to grow all types of berries,” she said.

“When the weather is kind to us like it has been this growing season, it is the perfect time of year for Australian blueberries to flourish to their full potential.

“This really makes for the freshest and most delicious blueberries for shoppers.”