The national blueberry season in the US will begin again in a few months, in March 2021 with production from Florida. With the opening of the Vietnamese market to fresh US blueberries in 2019 and the opening of the Philippine and Chinese markets this year in 2020, US exports are on the rise. Accordingly, the USDA FAS has notified the US Highbush Blueberry Council that the 2021 Market Access Program funding award will increase 44% to $ 299,195.

“This increase is a major victory for the USHBC's international efforts and reflects the industry's commitment to developing export markets for US lingonberries. From the formation of the USHBC export committee in 2019 to using USDA FAS trade programs like MAP, Specialty Crop Technical Assistance, and the Emerging Markets Program to address technical barriers to trade, the USHBC is advancing development. of the export market for US blueberry growers, ”said USHBC Vice President Alicia Adler. 

Increased US production

Blueberries are produced in the US from March to September, with production beginning in Florida and moving west as the season progresses. While most producing states export blueberries to some extent, the majority of exports come from the West Coast. “California, Oregon and Washington are the main blueberry exporting states,” explains Adler. “In fact, Oregon is the only state allowed to export fresh blueberries to South Korea. Other exporting states include Florida, New Jersey, Michigan and Georgia, but in smaller volumes,” she adds.

Over the past decade, US blueberry production has seen significant growth due to increased domestic and foreign demand. “As import supplies have also increased, American producers are seeking new markets and customers outside of North America for their supplies. National production continues to grow, although at a slower pace compared to the previous decade. That is why USHBC continues to lead the effort in the growing global demand for blueberries to maintain the long-term profitability of the industry. US growers are well positioned to take advantage of new and emerging markets, ”shares Adler.

Working to expand demand in new markets

Outside of North America, major export markets for American blueberries include Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. Additionally, the U.S. blueberry industry gained access to Vietnam in 2019, and the Philippines and China in 2020. Adler says, “USHBC is working hard in these markets to increase demand for blueberries and expand market share for “US USDA FAS trade programs have been instrumental in helping the industry increase awareness and expand distribution.”

The USHBC will use the additional MAP funds to expand promotions for fresh, frozen, dried and processed blueberries in targeted export markets throughout Asia. The main markets include Japan, South Korea and emerging markets throughout Southeast Asia. “We have also seen an increase in demand for dried blueberries in the Middle East and will explore market development opportunities in the region in 2021,” says Adler.

The North American Blueberry Council is working to open up more new export markets in the coming years for the American blueberry. “Through the NABC, the industry has requested access to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Israel for fresh US blueberries. USHBC has received several Special Crops Technical Assistance grants to conduct the necessary analyzes to address technical barriers to trade in these countries, ”shares Adler.

America's Market Advantage   

Asia is an important market for US blueberries, and it is a market with very high standards. US blueberries enjoy some specific advantages in the export market, according to Adler. “The US blueberry industry enjoys a long and consistent supply window for the fresh produce export market, from the early harvest in the Southeast beginning in March to the late summer harvest in the Northwest of the United States. Pacific that ends at the end of September ”, he says.

“In the frozen market, the United States is the world's largest supplier of blueberries frozen blueberries, with advanced technology and distribution capabilities. American agriculture in general has built a reputation for providing safe, high-quality food products that consumers in Asia value. Additionally, importers and retailers benefit from USHBC promotions abroad, which are an additional advantage for sourcing in the United States, ”Adler concludes.