The work of a blueberry supplier shows on the skin of the fruit: the natural waxy bloom is either still there on arrival or it is not. Hatipoğlu Tarım, which has exported fresh produce from Antalya since 2002, has its blueberries picked directly into the pack they will be sold in, cools them within one hour, keeps them at 0–2 °C and sends them mostly by air cargo. What follows is written for importers, wholesalers and retail buyers who want to know how the line is handled and how to open an enquiry.
Why this berry is bought on its bloom
In the company’s words, the blueberry is a high-value product with a natural waxy layer, a balanced aroma and a delicate structure that demands careful handling. For buyers sourcing blueberries wholesale, an intact bloom suggests that the fruit has been handled as little as possible, which is why the fruit goes straight into the pack in which it will be sold.
Selection: size, colour, freshness
The fruit is selected for export on three criteria:
- Size: name the size you need in your enquiry.
- Colour: berries are chosen on their colour.
- Freshness: the fruit is judged on freshness at selection.
UC Davis adds a point that every buyer should keep in mind. According to its published data, blueberries should be harvested near ripe, because eating quality does not improve after harvest. The fruit is climacteric and responds to ethylene, yet flavour does not develop once it has been picked. Whatever was in the berry at picking is what arrives.
One hour, then 0–2 °C
The company states that the product is cooled within one hour and held at 0–2 °C. The research figures for comparison, which are UC Davis data and not a description of the company’s own rooms, are an optimum of 0 ± 0.5 °C, 90–95% relative humidity and a storage period of one to two weeks for blueberries. The same source reports that a modified atmosphere of 15–20% CO2 with 5–10% O2 reduces grey mould, respiration and softening, and that rapid cooling has to come before any change of atmosphere. It also notes that the fruit is quite sensitive to water loss, which shows as shrivelling and a loss of gloss. For the wider picture, see our article on the cold chain in fresh produce export.
Mostly by air cargo
With a storage period counted in weeks at best, transit time decides a great deal. The statement of Hatipoğlu Tarım as a blueberry exporter in Turkey is that the fruit is shipped mostly by air cargo. Where a consignment does go by road, the usual measure applies: a standard 13.60 m refrigerated truck carries 33 euro pallets, each 80 × 120 cm. In such a load blueberries fit with strawberries and kiwifruit, which also travel at around 0 °C, but not with bananas, pineapples, dragon fruit or unripe avocados, all of which are sensitive to chilling.
Supply weeks: ask, do not assume
The product calendar on our site marks blueberries in all twelve months, while the product text itself names no season. Ask us for the supply weeks that match your programme, and we will tell you what can be discussed. The season calendar shows how the other lines are spread.
Carton and customs code
The product table lists one carton for blueberries from Turkey: 40 × 60 × 10 cm. The six-digit code for fresh blueberries is HS 0810.40. Your customs broker should confirm the full tariff line before the first shipment.
Documents a European buyer will ask for
Buyers who import blueberries from Turkey into the European Union usually start with two questions: which certificates are in place, and how residues are controlled. Hatipoğlu Tarım holds ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO 10002, GLOBALG.A.P. IFA and GRASP, and each lot destined for Europe goes through a residue analysis. Two of our articles go further: which certificates European buyers require and EU pesticide MRLs.
How an order moves
The company runs the chain itself: picking into the sales pack, cooling within the hour, selection by size, colour and freshness, packing into cartons, cold storage at 0–2 °C and dispatch, mostly by air. Our guides to strawberries and physalis cover the two neighbouring lines.
Six details for an offer
Please give us the type, the size, the packaging, the weekly volume, the delivery week and the destination country. Our telephone number is +90 242 339 55 25, our WhatsApp number is +90 534 260 07 25, and e-mails go to info@hatipoglutarim.com.
Hatipoğlu Tarım has exported fresh fruit and vegetables from Antalya since 2002. Under the FİNİKE brand it ships 128 product lines to 42 countries, with harvest, grading, cold storage and dispatch handled in house across five facilities in Serik, Kepez, Mavikent, Yenişehir and Alaşehir.
Once you have your delivery weeks and weekly volume for blueberries, send them to us; the season plan and the price quotation are prepared on that basis.
