As skyrocketing crop prices fuel fears about soaring food costs and hunger around the globe, one of the world’s most consumed staples is bucking the trend and warding off a broader food crisis at least for now.

European harvests of blueberries face issues in supply caused by cold spells of weather, whilst an excellent US harvest arrives to a market lacking in other berries, much to their advantage. Spain in particular predicted a 40/50% increase in harvest, which has failed to materialise. Demand and consumption remain good across the board, creating high prices due to the lower supply in many countries.

As production in the citrus industry edge ups towards the 200 million 15kg equivalent carton mark, the Citrus Growers’ Association has identified integration of diverse information platforms within the sector as a means of enhancing the industry’s export opportunities.

The global macadamia industry has seen unprecedented growth in the last 10 years with demand continuously exceeding limited supply.

Last week, the South African Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) mildly lifted its forecast for 2020/21 maize, soybeans and sorghum from the March 2021 estimate to 16,1 million tonnes (up 5% y/y – the second-largest harvest on record), 1,8 million tonnes (up 44% y/y, a record harvest), and 189 885 tonnes (up 20% y/y), respectively.

In many European countries, the demand for asparagus is greater than the supply, mostly due to the impact of the cold in April, which slowed down the production.