South Africa is becoming a major player in the global blueberry market, with a 7% growth in the volume of blueberries exported in early 2025. We have sent over 22500 tonnes of blueberries into the overseas market so far, with plans to expand into new areas including the Middle East and the Far East.
But there are challenges that come with this expansion. Port delays and climate concerns are common factors for farmers and exporters to consider; however, the single most important aspect of blueberry export is maintaining the cold chain. As soon as this chain is broken, the berries begin to decay.
Reliable bulk packing and careful post-harvest handling can make it easier for South African blueberry farmers to ensure that the cold chain is continuous. Bulk bags and the correct logistics partner can make the difference between an expensive loss of berries and a successful (profitable) export.
Custom Bulk Bags (CBB) is a renowned manufacturer and supplier of bulk bags in South Africa. We make up to 3.5 million bags per year, which can safely hold between 500kg and two tonnes each. We have worked with many farmers and exporters to provide high-quality bulk packaging solutions for their businesses.
The cold chain imperative with blueberries
The ongoing sequence of temperature-controlled conditions that maintains a product – in this case, fresh blueberries – in ideal condition is known as the “cold chain”. It is not only best practice but also essential to keep blueberries at a constant temperature between 0°C and 0.5°C with a relative humidity of 90–95% throughout the transportation period.
Any deviation or break from this cycle will cause condensation, rapid microbiological growth, and a marked decrease in shelf life of the berries, which can lose up to a day of shelf life for every hour they are kept at ambient temperature.
The correct bulk packing products, like flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), can improve the maintenance of the cold chain. For farmers that need to transport huge amounts of product from their farms to cold storage facilities and then to refrigerated containers for export, bulk bags provide a useful alternative.
These woven polypropylene bags protect the blueberries from damage during transfer. The fabric is robust and durable, but also includes special lifting loops or tunnel sleeves that allow for easy forklift handling. This cuts down on handling time and, most importantly, minimises cold chain breakdowns.
Other tips for transporting blueberries
Efficient transportation of blueberries depends on a number of additional factors. South African farmers and exporters can guarantee that their harvest reaches its destination in ideal condition by following these tips:
1. Harvest carefully and quickly – As soon as the fruit is plucked, the post-harvest procedure starts. Harvest berries in the coolest portion of the day, usually early in the morning, to reduce field heat. Quick pre-cooling is essential. The objective is to bring the temperature of the berries down to the ideal range within an hour of harvest, particularly in high-temperature environments.
2. Make the most of packaging – Blueberries are fragile and easily bruised. To keep the bottom layers from being compressed by the weight of the fruit, use shallow, vented containers within bulk bags. We recommend using smaller bulk bags to ensure the load of berries is kept to a minimum and to prevent the bottom layer from being crushed.
3. Ensure proper ventilation and hygiene – The respiration of berries and other fruit, which produce heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapour, depends on proper ventilation. The woven fabric of bulk bags provides excellent ventilation that helps control the internal environment, slowing down fermentation and the growth of mould. Furthermore, to avoid microbiological contamination, stringent hygiene regulations must be followed at every stage, from the farm to the packing facility.
4. Track and monitor shipments – Tracking shipments is very easy nowadays. From the time the product leaves the farm until it arrives at its destination, make sure the cold chain is maintained by using temperature loggers and tracking devices. This information is crucial for spotting and fixing possible problems.
Collaborating with CBB for produce export
The agriculture industry faces many challenges in South Africa. Farmers and exporters across the country have long relied on innovative and affordable packaging to deliver cost savings and improve the efficiency of transportation.
Our bulk bags are made to the highest standards and are intended to keep your food safe while streamlining your business processes. Whether you are planning a large consignment for foreign markets or transporting massive quantities of food from your farm to an exporter’s facility, choose bulk bags from CBB.
Our goal is to assist you in maintaining the quality of your blueberries so they reach their destination firm, fresh, and ready for customers. FIBCs can help you maintain the cold chain and shift blueberries from farm to container to store in a quick and efficient manner. Please contact us today for more information about our FIBCs or to get a free consultation.
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Custom Bulk Bags is a major South African manufacturer of woven polypropylene bags for various industries, including mining, chemicals and agriculture. We are a Level 2 B-BBEE supplier that falls under the ownership structure of Deneb Investments Limited. For more information on our products, contact sales@custombulkbags.co.za.
