Top Quality Control Challenges for Blueberry Importers, Exporters and Retailers

• Traditional and emerging blueberry markets

• Global blueberry inspection data

• Key quality control challenges for the blueberry supply chain

Competing on Quality

The global blueberry market, projected to surpass 1.4 billion pounds in 2017, is maturing rapidly and undergoing consolidation. With the increasing competition, product quality remains paramount for companies that wish to survive and succeed. Despite advances in logistics, storage, and packaging solutions, it can be challenging to ensure optimal quality at every stage from farm to consumer.

Blueberries in particular are a very sensitive product, being highly perishable and often purchased on impulse. Consumers usually make their purchasing decision based solely on the fruit’s appearance.

Of the 100,000 samples of fresh blueberries inspected by QIMA Produce in the 2016-2017 harvesting season, the blueberry quality was categorized as “good” in only 43% of cases, while less than 1% of all blueberries inspected made the cut for “excellent.”

Some of the key challenges to blueberry quality include:

• Variable harvesting conditions

• Need for prompt and efficient cooling

• Long-haul logistics

• Packaging and presentation

Download the whitepaper to learn more about the specific impact of these factors on global blueberry supply chains.