Since the recent cold weather in North America marked the end of the tall blueberry season, the North American Blueberry Council has published its annual production report. The report, presented at this fall's Blueberry Summit, presents a comprehensive overview of blueberry production in 2023, along with forecasts for 2024.

The United States has maintained its position as the world leader in blueberry production in 2023, with cultivation spanning 38 states in four major geographic regions: the Pacific Northwest, South, Midwest and Northeast. In particular, 10 states account for more than 98% of commercially produced blueberries in the United States: California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington.

According to the report, the United States produced 711,2 million pounds of blueberries in 2023, equivalent to 322.595 metric tons. This figure closely reflects the production recorded in 2022. The report predicts a potential increase in production by 2024, although specific figures may be subject to revision based on various factors, including weather conditions.

Florida fresh blueberry production saw a decline in 2023, with final production at 7.031 metric tons. However, an increase is expected in 2024, which will return fresh blueberry production to the levels seen over the last decade.

Meanwhile, blueberry production in Oregon, Washington, and California saw modest declines in 2023. Oregon produced 61.235 metric tons, of which fresh blueberries accounted for approximately 45,0%. Washington state production reached 74.842 metric tons, of which fresh blueberries represented 31,0% of the total. In California, total production was 28.848 metric tons, of which fresh blueberries accounted for 81,1%. The report forecasts growth in all three states in 2024 and predicts blueberry production will reach the highest levels in a decade.

In contrast, blueberry production in Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan saw substantial increases in 2023, resulting in Georgia and North Carolina reaching their highest levels in a decade. This growth is expected to remain stable throughout 2024. Fresh blueberries made up a large portion of the total production, accounting for 81,4% of the 43.998 metric tons harvested in Georgia and 82,3% of the 22.317 tons metrics registered in North Carolina. Meanwhile, Michigan produced 36.287 metric tons of blueberries, with fresh blueberries accounting for 56,3% of the total.

Blueberry production remained relatively stable in Indiana and New Jersey in 2023, with similar productions expected in 2024. New Jersey's total production was 17.237 metric tons, of which fresh blueberries accounted for 78,9%. In Indiana, production reached 1.588 metric tons, of which 91,4% were fresh blueberries.