The blueberry industry in Western and Central Europe is consolidating its position as a key pillar in absorbing global production volume, despite its structural limitations in terms of costs and climate. During 2024, the European bloc maintained its position as the world's second-largest import destination, narrowing the gap with North America to just 3,8% in volume and 0,7% in value (USD). This phenomenon reflects solid domestic demand, especially in a context of general economic slowdown. confirming that blueberry consumption continues to grow even in adverse macroeconomic conditions.

According to the latest report from the International Blueberry Organization (IBO, 2025), the 2024 season was marked by higher temperatures and harvests brought forward by 2 to 3 weeks, which generated episodes of frost that affected early cultivars such as Duke in Germany and France. However, growers' rapid response with spraying techniques and the development of new mid-season varieties mitigated the impact. Countries such as Germany and the Netherlands lead regional production, although both face rising labor costs, regulatory pressure, and scale limitations.

German

In Germany—the largest producer in the region—the average farm area barely exceeds 3,5 hectares, restricting investment in varietal renewal and mechanization. Even so, per capita consumption has doubled in the last decade (from 400 g per 1 kg), demonstrating an unmet growth potential. In the Netherlands, on the other hand, logistical efficiency and its role as a European re-export hub consolidate its geostrategic position: more than 20% of Peru's blueberry exports pass through Dutch ports, especially Rotterdam and Amsterdam-Schiphol. However, air transport restrictions imposed by large chains such as Albert Heijn and Lidl create new challenges for non-regional suppliers.

France and UK

France continues to be the market with the greatest room for expansion. Although its local production is low and seasonal, imports have doubled since 2018. With only 16% market penetration, compared to 75% for strawberries, the potential for growth in French consumption is enormous, especially as premiumization and varietal differentiation grow.

In the United Kingdom, the industry is facing structural stagnation. Labor costs following Brexit and the end of EU agricultural subsidies have reduced competitiveness compared to Poland and Romania. The increase in the minimum wage to £12,21/hour and higher employer taxes are making labor more expensive, affecting profitability. Furthermore, competition from blueberries highbush from the south (Peru, Zimbabwe and South Africa) in late windows puts pressure on the British producer, who can hardly expand his surface area beyond the current 6.000 tonnes.

Genetics and premiumization

Despite this, the British market remains strategically important: it is one of the most receptive destinations for premium varieties and differentiated marketing programs. The entry of companies like Agroberries (Chile), which acquired BerryWorld in 2024, strengthens the connection between global genetic innovation and European distribution.

As a whole, Western and Central Europe faces a structural duality: on the one hand, high costs, regulatory pressure, and reduced margins; on the other, robust domestic demand, strong logistical integration, and growing genetic diversification. The region's future will depend on its ability to adapt its production structure to climate change, invest in efficiency and mechanization, and maintain its leadership as a high-value destination within the global blueberry chain.