After the frosts that hit the state of Florida in the first months of the year, up to 90% of the blueberry crop may have been lost, according to a report by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

Precisely because Florida plays a key role in the early-season supply of blueberries to the U.S. market, this recent situation means Mexican growers could find firmer market conditions, especially if they have fruit available just when the U.S. market is looking for supply.

A firm market

In recent years, Mexico has surpassed US$3 billion a year in berry exports, with the United States as the main destination. 

And in recent weeks, blueberry growers in Mexico have reported field prices of around 300 pesos per 2.1 kg box.

This price level does not necessarily represent an exceptional market peak, but it does reflect relatively favorable trading conditions after the damage caused by the frosts.

Likewise, USDA reports from the past month show active demand and firmer prices compared with previous weeks.

The opportunity 

For these reasons, the biggest winners will be the growers who manage to reach the market with good-quality fruit at the right time.

Factors such as production continuity, fruit quality and condition, size, and commercial relationships with buyers will remain decisive in taking advantage of any opportunity that arises in the market.

What happens in the coming weeks will show how supply in the United States evolves and how well positioned the different origins are to meet that demand. Meanwhile, those who have fruit available and maintain solid production and marketing standards are the ones who will be able to benefit from the consequences of these weather events.