In 2024, the global blueberry industry consolidated a stage of recovery and productive maturity, registering a 21% growth in total volumes cultivated worldwide, reaching 2,15 million metric tons (MT), according to the latest report from the International Blueberry Organization (IBO, 2025).

The fresh fruit segment accounted for 1,67 million tons, a 20% increase compared to 2023, with global yields reaching 9.190 kg/ha, driven by technological and genetic improvements in the main producing areas.

Regional leadership and structural expansion

The Americas remain the main production hub, contributing 46% of the global total (996.000 MT). Within the region, South America regained its momentum (503.000 MT) following the climatic effects of El Niño, while the U.S. and Canada accounted for 424.000 MT. Mexico and Central America contributed nearly 70.000 MT, consolidating their position as strategic off-season suppliers.

For its part, Asia-Pacific continues to expand strongly, with 752.000 MT (35% of the global total), driven mainly by China (712.000 MT), which reaffirms its role as a new engine of global growth.

The EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) reached 402.000 MT (up 18,7%), with outstanding performance in North Africa and Southern Europe, where climatic conditions and private investment allowed for market expansion and improved productivity. Morocco, Egypt, and Portugal are emerging as new supply hubs for the European market.

Industrial processing and integration

The processed segment, although lower-margin, has become a strategic pillar for market stability. In 2024, global production of processed blueberries reached 477.000 MT, a significant increase compared to previous years.

Industrial processing—focused on IQF (individually frozen), berry blends, and derivatives for the food industry—absorbs surpluses from the fresh market and acts as a price regulator during periods of oversupply. Mechanization and harvesting efficiency have maintained profitability, although investment in processing infrastructure remains limited outside the Pacific Northwest and Chile.

Processed organic blueberries registered a 33% price premium over conventional blueberries, reflecting sustained demand in high-income markets. In Chile, nearly 20% of processed exports fall into this category.

Structural challenges: data, transparency and sustainability

The report also raises concerns about the accuracy of global plantation data. According to the IBO, the official figure of 279.000 hectares could be understated by up to 7.000 hectares, due to informal plantings, replantings, and lack of official registration in emerging markets such as China, India, North Africa, and the Middle East.

This underreporting reflects the rapid, non-institutionalized expansion of the industry, driven by private companies and new entrants, which poses challenges for planning and forecasting future supply.

At a structural level, the sector faces the challenges of water stress, labor shortages, and the need for genetic innovation to sustain yields in the face of more extreme climate conditions. At the same time, the diversification of processed products and the expansion into new industrial uses (such as protein bars, yogurts, and RTE products) open up opportunities for growth and added value.

Short and medium-term outlook

The global blueberry industry is entering a new stage of maturity and diversification, where productivity, traceability, and sustainability are consolidated as strategic pillars.
The 2025-2030 scenario points to structurally higher production, driven by agricultural technology, value chain integration, and geographic expansion toward North Africa, Asia, and South America.

The resilience of global consumption, which barely exceeds 1 kg per person, suggests significant growth opportunities, especially in Asia and the Middle East. The key, according to IBO experts, will be to consolidate sustainable models of water management, genetic innovation, and post-harvest quality in an increasingly competitive and globalized market.