An unusually warm and sunny winter in British Columbia means the blueberry industry is expecting one of the 'earliest starts in recent memory'. 

Estimates currently put the potential start date for the Canadian province's campaign as early as June 20.

According to the British Columbia Blueberry Council, the province's 800 blueberry growers are also anticipating an ample supply of good quality blueberries for the 2015 season.

The 2014 season saw volumes near 68 million kilograms, or about 152 million pounds.

"Thanks to warm days and good pollination weather, we are confident we will enjoy a solid volume of high-quality blueberries through the season," B.C. Blueberry Council executive director Debbie Etsell said in a release.

"We are not anticipating any compression this season, which translates into a steady supply of blueberries for everyone to enjoy berries throughout the season."

The release said that, as seen in recent years, an increase in available product had allowed the council to continue to expand its marketing efforts overseas, creating new demand for exports from the province.

Earlier this year, the grower body attended the GulFood trade expo in Dubai, and will also attend other international trade shows in 2015 - Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong and Anuga in Germany.

Progress is also being made toward gaining fresh market access to the South Korean market, with Korean inspectors arriving in Vancouver in early July.

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