Blueberry supply and demand will likely expand steadily over the next several years, suggests a new report from RaboResearch.

The nine-page report, written by RaboResearch senior fresh produce analyst David Magaña, is titled "Consistent Quality Is the New Blue: A Look Into the Future of the Blueberry Market."

With prices flattening and rising costs, blueberry margins have been under pressure, according to the report. As a result, Magaña said companies are being pressured to be more productive and efficient and to consistently provide high-quality fruit to take advantage of expanding opportunities throughout the year. 

Improved cultivars will play an increasingly important role in growing regions, according to the report, and expanding demand in Europe will be the main source of demand growth globally.

RaboResearch estimates that global exports in 2025-26 may reach close to 900.000 metric tons, with 70% coming from the main exporting countries of Peru, Chile, Canada, Mexico and Spain / Morocco.

Global blueberry export volume has grown at a compound annual growth rate of around 11% over the past decade, according to the report.

Since the 2019-20 season, Peru has become the world's largest exporter of fresh blueberries, according to the report, with peak shipments from September to November. While the United States is the main market for Peruvian blueberries, traders are making efforts to diversify exports, according to the report.

RaboResearch said demand is expected to grow in the European Union and UK markets. Consumers will use tools like Eco-Scores and Nutri-Scores to identify the nutritional and environmental aspects of products, and the report said blueberries rank high on the Nutri-Score.

Some of the winning strategies for blueberry marketers going forward, Magaña said, include merger and acquisition opportunities, diversification / internationalization, focus on quality and consistency, mechanical harvesting, organics, and packaging innovation.