The 2025/26 season confirms that the blueberry It maintains active demand in international markets. However, this expansion opens a more demanding stage for producers and exporters, where not all fruit will have the same opportunity to defend its value.

According to figures compiled by iQonsultingThe main suppliers in the Southern Hemisphere, along with Mexico and Morocco, exported 668.011 tons of fresh blueberries in the 2025/26 season, 16% more than in the previous cycle. This figure confirms the industry's expansion, although it also shows that growth alone no longer guarantees competitiveness.

The iQonsulting 2026 International Blueberry Market Yearbook is available for download from the Blueberries Consulting website.

With more blueberries As available, profitability will increasingly depend on the condition of the fruit upon arrival, the market opportunity, and market selection. Producing more will remain relevant, but the outcome will be determined by the ability to ship the right fruit, at the right time, and to the destination where it can best maintain its value.

More fruit, more commercial selection

The increased volume opens up opportunities to supply markets that continue to demand blueberriesBut it also leaves less room for fruit without clear attributes. When supply increases, buyers have more alternatives and can prioritize consistent programs, better quality fruit, and suppliers who can uphold their commercial commitments.

For producers and exporters, quality will increasingly need to be considered from the perspective of the destination market. Varietal selection, harvesting, post-harvest handling, arrival time, and supply pressure will have a greater impact on the ability to maintain a competitive price.

Each origin will need to better define its place

Peru once again set the pace for supply blueberries Fresh produce accounted for 380.229 tons exported, representing a 57% share of the analyzed group. Chile, meanwhile, exported 92.934 tons, with a 14% share.

Rather than comparing both models solely by volume, the data shows that each origin will need to better recognize its strengths. Peru will continue to be influential due to its scale and availability; Chile, on the other hand, faces competition where quality, varietal replacement, arrival conditions, and market segmentation will become increasingly important.

Some countries will compete on scale; others, on logistical proximity, market window, or differentiated quality. For each industry, knowing where to compete will be as important as growth.

The competition will be based on commercial precision.

Among the markets analyzed, North America accounted for the largest volume for the blueberries of the Southern Hemisphere, while Europe continued to gain importance as a relevant destination. Both markets remain central, although they require different strategies: in one, high competition among origins is a factor; in the other, the ability to reach customers with consistent service, regularity, and programs tailored to different buyers.

In Asia, the advance of Chinese blueberry production adds a variable that exporters will have to follow closely, especially since the Yunnan window coincides with part of the imported supply from the southern hemisphere.

The growth of blueberry It is still good news, but profitability will increasingly depend on precision: producing the right fruit, arriving in the right week, and choosing the market where it can best sustain its value.

Read also:

• Chinese blueberries are gaining ground in Southeast Asia thanks to genetics, quality, and business strategy
• The 2025-2026 Chilean blueberry season closes with a 2,7% increase
• South African blueberry growers face increasing global pressure
• The blueberry season in California is heading towards its peak supply.
• International Blueberry Seminars 2026: Blueberries travel through Peru, Chile, Mexico, Morocco and China