Three-day event in South Africa showcased the country’s production potential while addressing key industry challenges including trade, sustainability, genetics, and logistics, with four countries already expressing interest in hosting the next summit
The International Blueberry Organization (IBO) brought the global blueberry industry together last month for three days of knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration at the IBO Summit 2025.
The Summit brought together 575 participants from 32 countries, including growers, exporters, importers, retailers, researchers, and industry leaders from across the world.
The event highlighted South Africa’s and southern Africa’s growing role as a producer, key exporter, and strategic hub in the international blueberry market.
Panels and presentations addressed key topics such as trade, sustainability, new genetics, market dynamics, logistics, and labour challenges, while exclusive field visits showcased South Africa’s production potential and innovative farming practices.
“The IBO Summit once again demonstrated the strength and unity of our global blueberry community,” said Mario Steta, IBO chairman.
”South Africa offered the perfect setting to reflect on how far we’ve come as an industry – and how collaboration, innovation, objective and transparent discussions, and a shared purpose are shaping and will continue to shape the next chapter of sustainable growth,” he outlined.
“Hosting the Summit in South Africa was an incredible opportunity to showcase our country’s progress and potential within the global blueberry industry,” outlined Brent Walsh, CEO of Berries ZA.
”We’re proud to have welcomed so many international delegates and to have shared our commitment to quality, innovation, and collaboration.”
Plans are already underway for the next edition of the Summit, with four countries expressing their interest in hosting the event.
”The IBO views this strong level of enthusiasm as one of the clearest signs of how the blueberry sector continues to positively impact global production and market regions, and of the industry’s strong potential in the years ahead,” the organisation added.
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