The industry of blueberry In India, the crop is beginning to show more visible signs of development. This was reflected at the Fresh India Show 2026, held in Mumbai, where producers, nursery owners, investors, and technical specialists agreed on the growing interest in the crop and the ample room that still exists for its expansion.

Although local production remains small and per capita consumption is still far from that of more developed markets, the scenario is beginning to bring together factors that are attracting attention: a population of close to 1.500 billion people, an expanding middle class and an increasing interest in fresh, healthy and higher value-added foods.

In this context, India is beginning to emerge as one of the markets with the greatest long-term growth potential for the category, provided that the sector's development is based on quality, suitable genetics, technical support, and a supply chain capable of responding consistently.

During the meeting in Mumbai, this conversation became evident both in the conferences and in the meetings held with various stakeholders in the sector, including producers of blueberries established, potential investors, nursery operators and technical specialists linked to the future of the crop.

Based on that experience, Jamie Petchell, co-founder and director of Global Plant Genetics (GPG), noted that India is still in an early stage, but with encouraging signs of interest and professionalization. Petchell participated in the event along with representatives from FD Berries India, GPG's authorized partner for the University of Georgia (UGA) blueberry varieties in the country.

“India is still in the early stages of production of blueberries"But the level of interest and professionalism we are seeing today is very encouraging," he said.

In his view, the conversation within the sector has changed rapidly. Rather than focusing solely on establishing plantations, producers are paying attention to genetics, production systems, and business strategies that can sustain viable businesses over time.

Genetics takes center stage in the conversation

One of the recurring themes during the event was the importance of genetics. In a market like India, where climatic conditions differ from those of other traditional centers of the blueberryThe varietal choice appears as a critical decision.

Through its link with the University of Georgia's breeding program, FD Berries India is introducing low-chill varieties, including Maverick, Gladiator, Tropical Blue, and Sweet Duchess.

These varieties have been developed for warmer production areas and have attributes that are especially relevant for India: adaptation to lower chilling requirements, fruit firmness, good shelf life, flavor and an attractive size.

According to Petchell, in Mumbai there was significant interest in modern genetics, especially among producers who are no longer just thinking about establishing hectares, but about choosing materials capable of delivering the quality and consistency demanded by both retailers and consumers.

“Many are looking beyond simply establishing plantations of blueberries "And they are focusing on selecting varieties capable of delivering the quality and consistency of fruit that both retailers and consumers require," he noted.

Production, technical support and cold chain

Along with genetics, another key point for the development of the crop in India emerged strongly at the event: the need to advance in production systems, technical support and cold chain infrastructure.

While the opportunity for growth is substantial, significant challenges remain, particularly in maintaining fruit quality throughout the supply chain. In this context, producers have begun to show a greater willingness to invest in substrate-based cultivation systems and more modern production practices.

This interest in strengthening the productive base shows that the growth of the crop is not only being seen as a commercial opportunity, but also as a process that demands greater technical specialization.

In that development, Petchell highlighted the role that FD Berries India is playing in connecting genetics, local support and working with producers.

“It is essential to have strong local partnerships when introducing a new crop category into an emerging market,” he said.

“FD Berries India is helping to connect world-class genetics with local expertise, technical support, and working with growers. All of these elements are equally important for long-term success.”

Quality as the basis for building consumption

If India wants to consolidate an industry of blueberries In the long run, the key will not only be to produce more, but to build a consumer experience capable of sustaining demand.

From that perspective, fruit quality once again emerges as a decisive factor. It's not enough to simply bring blueberries to the market: the challenge is for the consumer to find a firm, tasty, consistent fruit in good condition.

Based on the experience observed in other countries, Petchell argued that India's growth will ultimately depend on providing a consistently positive experience.

“Consumers come back when they enjoy the product,” he explained. “And that starts with the right genetics, good agronomy, and an efficient supply chain capable of bringing high-quality fruit to market.”

That point is especially relevant in a country where consumption still starts from a very low base. As he explained, the average global consumption of blueberries It is around 260 grams per person per year, while in the United States it exceeds 1,3 kilos per person.

In that scenario, even moderate increases in consumption in India could open up significant opportunities throughout the entire chain, from nurseries and producers to marketers and retailers.

A foundation that is beginning to take shape

Although the sector is still in its early stages, the scenario observed in Mumbai suggests that India is beginning to build a more solid foundation for the development of blueberry.

The sector's interest, willingness to invest in genetics and more modern systems, and concern for quality, cold chain and commercial consistency point to an industry that is beginning to envision itself with a greater future.

The signs seen at the Fresh India Show 2026 reinforce that impression: it is still a small industry, but with players who are beginning to look at cultivation with a more structured and longer-term logic.

Along those lines, Petchell praised the atmosphere observed in Mumbai and considered that, if the sector maintains its focus on quality, innovation, and collaboration, India could become one of the leading markets. blueberries the fastest growing in the world over the next decade.

“The enthusiasm, investment, and professionalism we found in Mumbai were extremely encouraging,” he said. “If the industry continues to focus on quality, innovation, and collaboration, India has the potential to become one of the leading markets in the industry.” blueberries "the fastest growing in the world over the next decade."

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