Western Australian blueberry prices hit 12-month low | News

Western Australia’s blueberry season has reached peak supply, causing prices to drop as low as A$2.50 in some supermarkets, according to ABC News.

The price has fallen sharply from the A$20 baskets seen in June this year.

Mountain Blue general manager of sales and marketing Joshua McGuinness told the publication that blueberry production north of Perth was slowing this season, while production in the southern regions of Western Australia was increasing.

“So what you’re seeing now is kind of the intersection of two regions. Some are finishing, and some are starting to gain momentum,” he said.

“Consequently, we are seeing some of the lowest blueberry prices in Western Australia over the last 12 months overall.”

McGuinness said prices were likely to remain unchanged throughout the month.

Industry body Berries Australia chief executive Rachel McKenzie said falling prices were not a cause for concern as growers’ profits were based on seasonal averages.

“We need to look at averages over the entire season to make sure producers can actually make a profit,” she told ABC News.

“Our request to consumers is to take advantage of this opportunity to get blueberries at the best price possible, perhaps consider expanding to a premium brand. But when prices rise, be understanding about this too.”

Bullsbrook-based Berry Sweet owner Anthony Ewers told ABC News he will ship some fruit interstate to keep prices higher.

“They’ve had bad weather in the east and they may be short on supplies,” he said.

“So we’re getting ready to ship the fruit to South Australia as early as (this) week.”