The global blueberry industry will expand in the coming years as long as the sector embraces operational efficiency and “premiumization.” North America, particularly the United States, will continue to be the largest destination market for fresh and frozen blueberries, with Peru, Mexico and Chile being the largest exporters in the fresh category, according to a recent Rabobank study.

“Supply-side challenges such as logistics and input costs are declining, but pressures on margins will continue to drive the industry to improve efficiency and productivity, including improvements in varieties. The industry has also raised the bar in terms of fruit quality. This will be essential «To encourage greater growth in consumption. Despite the inflationary environment, blueberry consumption in key markets has been quite solid,” says David Magaña, senior fresh produce analyst at Rabobank. "The adoption of new technologies and varieties will be key to providing blueberries that continue to satisfy consumers around the world."

Global exports of fresh blueberries will expand

Over the past decade, global exports of fresh blueberries have expanded steadily, driven by a diversified base of producing regions. Countries with the highest growth rates in recent years include Peru, South Africa, Morocco, Mexico, Poland and Spain.

The potential lingering effects of El Niño-related climate anomalies are likely to limit the rebound in Peruvian exports in 2024/25. However, in the long term, Rabobank forecasts that global fresh blueberry exports will return to a growth trajectory as yields improve in Peru and exports from other producing regions continue to expand. By 2026/27, global exports of fresh blueberries are expected to exceed one million metric tons.

The largest exporters of blueberries

Peru, Mexico and Chile remain the largest exporters in the fresh produce category, but a warm winter in Peru delayed harvest and will negatively affect yields and shipments. Blueberries and other berries represent the largest proportion by value of Mexico's agricultural and food exports, and the berry industry is the fastest growing agricultural industry in the country. Chilean exports of fresh blueberries, on the other hand, have declined since the export peak of the 2020/21 season, and Rabobank expects further declines in 2023/24.

Frozen blueberries are one of the most popular frozen fruits in the US.

According to Magaña, frozen blueberries are among the most consumed frozen fruits in the US market in terms of per capita availability and are the fastest growing fruit in the category. U.S. imports of frozen blueberries continue to expand, with Canada the main origin, followed by Chile, Peru and Argentina.

“The powerful combination of health benefits, convenience, flavor and versatility that blueberries offer will continue to be a critical driver of demand, setting the industry up for success,” Magaña emphasizes.