Earlier this summer, there was a concern among the berry companies, including Västernorrland, that they would not be allowed to buy enough berries because there is a shortage of pickers.

Due to the corona pandemic, significantly fewer Thai berry pickers have come to Sweden. In a normal year, they have accounted for 90 percent of the berry picking. Thanks to some free pickers, some berries have still arrived in the companies - but you do not get up to more than 70 to 60 percent of a normal year.

Attracts local pickers with increased price

To get the local picks started, the berry price has been raised.

- Yes, we have gone a little higher this year so that we can get the Swedes out, says Ulf Hagner, spokesperson for Swedish Bärnäring and CEO of the berry-buying company Blåtand in Stöde.

In previous years, blueberries have been between SEK 12 and 15 per kilo.