Also from Switzerland – Blueberries: The round blue snack remains trendy – News


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Domestic production of blueberries is increasing despite import pressure.

Almost 10,600 tonnes of berries were harvested in Switzerland this year, as the latest figures from the Swiss Fruit Association show. The cultivation of blueberries in particular has increased.

Blueberry: The berry that falls out of the loop


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Like other agricultural products, berries are under strong import pressure. They can be produced much cheaper abroad, so there are import restrictions. If the Swiss products are ripe and on the market, then the goods from abroad are subject to higher customs duties and Swiss products can become more competitive.

However, the blueberries were forgotten when the customs regulations were created, and so there are cheap blueberries from abroad all year round. The competition is great.

The proportion of imports is correspondingly large: Of the 6,980 tonnes of blueberries consumed in Switzerland up to October, only 706 tonnes came from domestic production. In addition, consumers tend to buy the cheaper berries, as figures and surveys by the Swiss Fruit Association show.

The production of blueberries in Switzerland is worthwhile despite import pressure, as farmer Matthias Müller confirms. Strawberries, raspberries, currants and blueberries grow on his 15-hectare family farm. He sells his goods through retail and in his own farm shop.

We have the advantage that we can harvest the berries today and sell them tomorrow.

The taste of his hand-picked berries could set him apart from foreign ones, Müller explains: “We have the advantage that we can harvest the berries today and sell them tomorrow.” That also works with blueberries, even if there is a free market there.

Dairy farm was yesterday

From his experience working in sales, the farmer knows that blueberries are trendy. “I can sense that consumers want snacks, and berries are a perfect fit because they are aromatic and sweet, but also healthy,” he says.

I can sense that consumers want snacks, and berries are a perfect fit because they are aromatic and sweet, but also healthy.

Matthias Müller’s parents used to run dairy farming and then switched to berries. Despite the strong competition, berry farmer Müller recognized the potential of berries years ago. And he is confident that the growth will continue.

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