Western Cape blueberry growers are entering the 2026 season with uncertainty as flood damage and unusually warm winter threaten production.
The province accounts for a significant share of South Africa’s blueberry production, with harvesting expected to begin in October. Growers are closely watching weather conditions and water availability as they prepare for the export season.
Weather raises crop concerns
Nicolas Balcomb, director of Primocane Capital, which operates farms in Mpumalanga and the Western Cape, said flooding had reduced its Western Cape crop by about 30%.
“We only had one incidence of frost in Barberton this year. The climate is definitely shifting, as it’s been very warm in both Mpumalanga and the Western Cape this winter,” he told Farmer’s Weekly.
The lack of sufficient winter cold is another concern because blueberry plants require specific periods of cold temperatures for normal development.
Elzette Schutte, operations manager at Berries ZA, said growers must remain optimistic because the crop is currently looking good, although the impact of the mild winter remains uncertain.
“So far, producers are reporting that the crop looks good. But we didn’t get the normal number of cold units this winter, and it’s unclear what impact this will have on the crop,” she said.
Schutte also warned that the dry winter could place additional pressure on irrigation water supplies later in the season.
Production and prices offer hope
Despite the weather risks, South Africa’s blueberry production is expected to rise to about 28 030 tonnes in 2026, from 26 000 tonnes in 2025. The industry is targeting at least 27 000 tonnes for export.
South Africa remains a small producer compared with Peru, which is expected to produce about 400 000 tonnes. Instead of competing on volume, local growers are relying on premium varieties, improved genetics and fruit quality.
Balcomb said the reduced expectations for Peru’s crop had helped support international prices.
“For the season to date, export prices have been around R135/kg to R150/kg. Last year, prices dipped to about R90/kg from mid-October when Peru’s blueberries entered the market,” he said.
Timing becomes critical
Schutte said growers are recognising that production location is critical to accessing favourable marketing windows.
“Plantings in the north have picked up to the point where they now make up half of the hectares planted in South Africa. Since this crop is harvested earlier in the season, before Peru, it is a more favourable window to be in than the Western Cape,” she said.
For Western Cape growers, fruit quality and timing will remain important competitive advantages.
“Blueberries aren’t just blueberries. It’s about selecting the right variety according to flavour, freshness, and crispness. South Africa does well in this regard,” Schutte said.
The industry is also seeking new export destinations to reduce reliance on established European markets.
Schutte said negotiations to secure access to China are progressing, while India presented an immediate opportunity. The tariff on South African fruit entering India has been negotiated down to 10%, from 30%, although broader trade negotiations are delaying progress.
