Cape Town, South Africa – 26 September, 2025 – The International Blueberry Organisation (IBO) Summit 2025, hosted by BerriesZA, is in full swing at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), marking the first time this global gathering has been held on African soil. Following a powerful opening day focused on industry resilience and strategic market development, delegates today continued deep dives into the future of the global blueberry value chain.
The Summit’s opening address on Thursday, September 25th, was delivered by the South African Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen. The Minister celebrated the dramatic growth of the South African blueberry sector, noting that national production expanded from less than 3,000 tons in 2018 to over 21,000 tons by 2022. He highlighted the industry’s strength and adaptability, citing a 7% year-on-year rise in exports to surpass 22,500 tons despite recent setbacks like severe frost and late winters. Volumes are now projected to exceed 46,000 tons by 2033.
Minister Steenhuisen also stressed the vital human element of the industry, pointing out that blueberries have the highest labour absorption factor per hectare in South African agriculture—more than four jobs per hectare—providing livelihoods for thousands of families in rural areas. He reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to expanding research, reforming logistics, and strengthening job creation through labour-intensive horticulture.
Unlocking New Markets and Addressing Challenges
A key part of the opening discussions focused on tackling challenges and unlocking new growth. The Minister confirmed that profitability remains under pressure due to rising costs and logistics disruptions, making collaboration between Government, industry, and research partners essential for sustained competitiveness.
Crucially, the government-industry partnership is seeing success in securing new export markets. Access protocols are either finalised or nearing completion in countries across Asia and the Middle East, including India, Israel, and Vietnam. Following a visit to China in July, the Minister shared a promising update: China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) is currently conducting a risk assessment for South African blueberries, a major step towards accessing one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
Beyond exports, Steenhuisen encouraged growers to look at rising demand close to home, noting the acceleration of intra-African produce trade as regional trade barriers fall under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
What’s Still to Come: Science Meets the Soil
Today, the second day of the Summit, delegates are engaged in the core conference programme. This deep dive addresses pivotal global issues, including:
The release of the IBO Global Production Report by Cort Brazelton and Colin Fain.
High-level discussions on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), carbon-conscious logistics, the role of genetics in quality optimisation, and investment flows (Cindy van Rijswyk of Rabobank).
The Summit will conclude tomorrow, Saturday, September 27th, with the highly anticipated Western Cape farm and packhouse visits. This invaluable third day will offer delegates a behind-the-scenes look at world-class South African operations, showcasing precision farming and technology adoption. Farm tour options include:
Chiltern Farms: A third-generation family enterprise and vertically integrated operation showcasing their Fruit Flow Concept brand.
Indigo Berries – United Exports: Home to the world-renowned OZblu® variety, known for its premium quality and cold chain integrity.
Six33 Packhouse (Paarl and Eaglevlei): Technologically advanced facilities featuring BBC and Weco optical sorting systems, demonstrating excellence in food safety and efficiency.
The IBO Summit 2025 is set to conclude having laid a clear blueprint for the future—one that champions sustainability, technological innovation, and new market access for the global blueberry industry.