Rain mars start of Plus Berries’ 2026 blueberry campaign

A series of storms have made for a challenging start for Plus Berries’ 2026 blueberry season.

The company said the abundant precipitation recorded during the previous months has affected crop development in the province of Huelva, and while the rain itself hasn’t impacted its own crop, the winds that accompanied the storms have damaged the production structures. Moreover, the dark and damp conditions have affected pollination, and the lack of sunlight has delayed the ripening of the earliest varieties.

Roberto Arnal, a blueberry producer associated with Plus Berries, commented: “This winter we’ve had more rainfall than usual. On our farm, we have recorded 631 litres per square metre so far. Luckily, it has fallen well. On our farm in Gibraleón, the wind damage has also been moderate.

“What we are noticing most is the consequence of the lack of sunlight in recent months, which is delaying the start of the season. This has forced us to closely monitor the crop, especially in controlling soil moisture and preventing diseases associated with excess water”.

Despite the situation, Arnal remains positive: “The plants have responded well. With proper technical management and good ventilation in the greenhouses, we are obtaining fruit with good size and flavour,” he reported.

Plus Berries has intensified field monitoring to ensure that its blueberries maintain their usual standards of firmness, natural bloom, and organoleptic balance. Varietal planning has also allowed for staggered production and minimises risks associated with humidity.

“The market doesn’t care about the weather; it cares about quality and compliance. That’s why our priority is to anticipate and ensure that every shipment meets the required specifications,” the company’s management said.

“This season, we will consolidate our production model based on technique, sustainability, and adaptation, reinforcing our position within the premium European blueberry segment.”