Cultivated Berries

Cultivated berries give steadier volume and more predictable sizing than the wild trade, which is why manufacturers running continuous programmes generally specify them. Highbush blueberries are the largest of the three, grown principally in British Columbia.

Almost all export volume is IQF. The specification points are size grade, brix, defect tolerance and whether the fruit is whole, sliced or crumble. Raspberries in particular are sold in crumble and puree grades at materially different prices, and the grade should be stated rather than left to the supplier's default.

As with wild berries, cold-chain integrity through the last mile is the operational risk. Confirm destination capability before the first container ships.

One commercial note on positioning: cultivated berries do not carry the wild provenance story, so they compete on consistency, size and price rather than on origin. Buyers paying a premium expecting the wild attributes will be disappointed, and suppliers are better served by selling each for what it actually is.