Lithuanian blueberries hit market with high prices

Lithuanian blueberries have hit the market, but consumers may find the prices a bit steep, with vendors reporting kilogram costs ranging from 7 to 9 euros. Some sellers have adjusted prices downward from 10 euros, but many are unwilling to lower them further, citing profitability concerns and a lack of sufficient buyers.

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Prices are biting a little.

This season's high prices are largely due to a significantly reduced harvest. Farmers explain that harsh winter frosts and subsequent spring freezes severely damaged blueberry bushes across the country. Many large farms, even those spanning 100 to 200 hectares, have reported having very few berries, with some choosing not to sell their limited yield and keeping it for personal consumption. Last year, blueberries were available for roughly half the current price, around 4-4.5 euros per kilogram.

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You see, there are no people, the market is empty.

Despite the challenging conditions, some farmers are implementing innovative techniques to mitigate the damage and enhance their crops. Erikas Jacukevičius, founder of the "Eriberi" blueberry farm, has invested in bumblebee hives imported from Belgium, believing they significantly improve pollination compared to regular bees, resulting in larger, sweeter berries. He also uses sprinklers that operate overnight during frost warnings, creating a layer of ice that protects the blossoms from freezing. Jacukevičius is selling his blueberries at 8 euros per kilogram and is not planning to reduce the price, emphasizing quality. However, he notes that sales are inconsistent, with customers often buying larger quantities than he can harvest due to unpredictable summer weather, which frequently interrupts picking schedules.

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Yes, you could say that, they bring a lot from Poland, they bring everywhere, that's why nobody buys Lithuanian ones.