Blueberry cultivation was introduced in Türkiye around 2000, although its initial development was slowed by disputes over variety rights. Today, the country is a member of the UPOV (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants), which has allowed it to access protected genetic material and strengthen its production programs. Local nurseries—supported by cherry and fig exporters—along with alliances with partners in the United States and Europe, are promoting new plantings and trials with varieties such as Legacy and Duke, aimed at the European market.

In 2023, Türkiye experienced a decisive year: lExports grew by 146% and imports by 124%, With Peru and Chile as its main external suppliers, despite a summer marked by high temperatures and irregular rainfall, the country sustained its expansion thanks to an increase in cultivated area and the professionalization of its cold chain. With more than 85 million consumers, it also has a domestic market with significant development potential.

The evolution of shipments confirms this trend. After an increase from 131 tons in 2020/21 to 286 in 2022/23, the 2023/24 campaign marked a leap. up to 732 tons, demonstrating the logistical capacity achieved. In 2024/25, the volume was adjusted to 404 tons, showing a natural stabilization following the massive expansion.

Destinations and market trends

In five campaigns, Türkiye has placed 1.708 tons of blueberries on the international market, with Germany and the United Kingdom as the main buyers: together they account for almost 42% of the total. Other notable destinations include Russia (199 t), Sweden (109 t), the Netherlands (104 t), the United Arab Emirates (91 t), and Singapore (84 t), in addition to smaller shipments to Iraq and Poland.

The 2024/25 campaign marked an interesting reshuffle. The United Kingdom led with 26% share, followed by Germany (14%), Russia (12%), and Poland (9%). Together, Poland and Russia accounted for more than a fifth of shipments, confirming the growing interest in Eastern Europe.

The figures reflect a pattern of accelerated growth followed by adjustments. Germany went from 60 tonnes in 2020/21 to 147 in 2023/24, then stabilizing at 58. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, showed a sustained takeoff: from just 11 tonnes in 2020/21 to 158 in 2023/24, maintaining 105 in the last campaign. Russia and Sweden burst onto the scene in 2023/24, although they reduced volumes the following year, while the "others" bloc fell from 24 to 6 tonnes, reflecting a redirection towards more defined markets.

Microclimates that extend the season

The real secret of Turkey's rise it is in its geographyFrom the warm areas of Antalya, where heated tunnels are used, to the high-altitude plantations of Bursa, Kırklareli, Rize, and Trabzon, the country has staggered its harvests according to altitude and genetics. Thanks to this diversity of climates, Production extends from February to October, with a peak between March and July. This flexibility gives Turkey a strategic advantage: securing fruit during the months when Europe needs supplies the most.

Added to this factor is a growing domestic marketWith more than 85 million inhabitants, blueberries are gradually becoming part of consumers' daily diets, consolidating a solid foundation for the industry's future development.

Facilities for marketing Turkish blueberries

Turkey's strategic location is one of its industry's main assets. Its proximity to Western Europe—with distances of 1.000 to 2.500 km—allows it to supply markets such as Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Poland by land or sea transport in just two to four days. reduces logistics costs, decreases waste and ensures fresher fruit.

The Middle East is also key, with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait accessible by direct sea routes from Mersin or Istanbul in three to six days, or even in one or two by air. Eastern Europe and the Caucasus are reachable in less than a week, while Asia-Pacific requires 10 to 20 days by sea or express air shipments. Even the United States and Canada receive Turkish fruit by air, especially large sizes consolidated in European hubs.

At the regulatory level, Türkiye has trade agreements that strengthen their competitiveness. The Customs Union with the EU eliminates tariffs on industrial and processed products, while seasonal quotas for fresh fruit are being negotiated. FTA with the United Kingdom it replicates many of these advantages, ensuring continuity in tariff reductions. Added to this are bilateral agreements with countries such as Switzerland, Norway, Georgia, Chile, Israel, Egypt, and Morocco, which grant tariff reductions and improve Turkey's position vis-à-vis competitors in the southern hemisphere. Also notable is Turkey's participation in the COMCEC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation), which facilitates the harmonization of phytosanitary regulations and opens up opportunities in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia.

Prospects and next steps

The future of Turkish blueberries will depend on the country's ability to consolidate progress and refine its strategy on various frontsA priority will be to maximize efficiency in nearby markets, strengthening land and sea routes to Europe and the Middle East, while negotiating specific agreements with shipping companies to adjust refrigerated transport rates.

Another key axis will be take advantage of existing trade agreements, identifying tariff windows in blocks such as the EFTA and COMCEC, especially for organic and higher value-added products. In parallel, it will be necessary strengthen the cold chain in distant destinations, with investments in pre-cooling and air transport combinations with consolidation in European hubs, ensuring quality and competitiveness compared to suppliers in the southern hemisphere.

The strategy should include a marketing differentiated by markets: mass retail in Europe, gourmet channel in the Middle East, and e-commerce in Asia. On an operational level, it is recommended strengthen logistics with Germany and the United Kingdom, formalize phytosanitary protocols in Russia, Sweden and the Netherlands, and design promotional campaigns in Poland and Iraq, two markets that already exceeded 5% market share in the last campaign.

Finally, the route diversification and fare optimization They appear to be decisive tools for smoothing the volatility observed between 2023/24 and 2024/25. With these actions, Turkey can transform its sporadic growth into sustained and balanced development, taking full advantage of opportunities in traditional and emerging markets and consolidating its role as a new player on the global blueberry scene.