The global blueberry industry is entering the second half of the 2020s with unprecedented production capacity and a more geographically diverse supply base than ever before, EastFruit analysts note. Global acreage is estimated to be growing by at least 10% annually, and total production, according to industry sources such as IBO, has more than doubled over the past 10 years, reaching 1,78 million tons in 2023 and surpassing 2,0 million tons for the first time ever in 2024.

While global blueberry production is almost 50 times smaller than that of apples, the volume of international trade in fresh blueberries is only 20 percent smaller. Initially, most major blueberry-producing countries focused primarily on export markets. However, this is beginning to change, says Andriy Yarmak, an economist at the FAO Investment Centre. Unlike apples, blueberries can be successfully grown in a wide range of climates, enabling their production in many more countries. Consequently, the rapid expansion of blueberry production in countries that focus primarily on their domestic markets often goes unnoticed globally and could cause significant market disruptions in the future.

This suggests that the actual pace of growth in global blueberry production could, in fact, be even higher than currently estimated. In the coming days, the EastFruit team will publish a series of in-depth analytical articles exploring the development potential of the blueberry sector, both globally and regionally, with a focus on 2025 and the long-term outlook. Our goal will be to provide detailed information on each country worthy of attention in this rapidly evolving industry.

The increase in global production in recent decades has been driven by increased plantings in Latin America, Europe, and especially Asia, where China was the main driver. Despite this rapid growth, industry experts maintain that the potential for demand growth remains solid: the international blueberry market's potential is far from exhausted, and fresh blueberry consumption continues to rise in many markets. However, adverse macroeconomic factors such as inflation, high logistics costs, deglobalization, and labor shortages are creating new challenges for balancing supply and demand.

Global production and trade trends (2025-2030)

Global blueberry acreage and production have maintained a remarkable growth trajectory. By 2023, the global blueberry acreage reached 267.000 hectares (up 7,2% from 2022). Global blueberry production is increasing despite a 12% drop in exports, continuing a steady climb from approximately 201.000 hectares in 2019. Latin America now accounts for the largest share (42% of global acreage), reflecting major investments in countries such as Peru, Mexico, and Chile.

La Asia-Pacific region It is not far behind, with the boom in planting in China, which makes it the largest individual producer in terms of volume ( Global blueberry production increases despite a 12% drop in exports ). World production in 2023 reached 1,78 million tons , with China, the United States, and Peru together contributing 88% of production. It is worth noting that China alone currently produces about 32% of the world's blueberries. , having surpassed the United States as the top producer in 2021.

The year-round availability of fresh blueberries (thanks to expanded production in the Southern Hemisphere and greenhouse cultivation) has firmly established blueberries as a global commodity, with supplies available 12 months a year.

In terms of trade, fresh blueberry exports have generally shown an upward trend, along with production, with an average annual growth of approximately 10% (approximately 60 tonnes/year) between 000 and 2019 ( Georgia, Zimbabwe, Ukraine: The rise of the new blueberry giants ). Not even logistical disruptions or increased costs In recent years, trade growth has been completely halted as exporters find ways to meet rising demand in new and existing markets.

However, the vertiginous increase in domestic consumption In producing countries (e.g., China and the U.S.), this could draw more fruit away from international trade. The U.S. and Europe remain major consumers of blueberries: the U.S. and the Netherlands together accounted for 48% of global imports in 2023 (the Netherlands serves as a distribution hub for Europe). However, as production outpaces export growth, Prices and profitability have come under pressure .

Blueberry import prices have shown a slight downward trend since 2018, reflecting abundant supply and fierce competition. Industry reports point to growing competition and rising costs, along with supply-demand imbalances, as the main challenges ahead. Producers worldwide are facing shrinking margins due to rising input costs (fertilizers, energy, logistics) and labor shortages, even as buyers expect affordable prices. Ensuring quality and maintaining the premium image of blueberries is a growing priority amid this oversupply.

Despite these challenges, demand indicators remain positive over the long term. Blueberries are gaining popularity due to their convenience and health benefits, and increased availability has made them more accessible year-round. In fact, consumption has been growing even faster than trade in some regions, aided by falling prices and the incorporation of blueberries into processed products (yogurts, juices, baked goods), which in turn familiarizes more consumers with the fruit. This virtuous cycle suggests that as global production continues to increase, new consumers and markets will emerge to absorb the fruit. The key will be navigating the short-term economic turbulence while continuing to stimulate demand in established and emerging markets. Fresh blueberries are already taking market share from traditional fruits, including apples, and this trend is likely to continue.