[ENG] The Global Blueberry Trade Landscape

Over the last decade, the blueberry industry has become one of the most dynamic and strategic sectors in the global fruit and vegetable market. Once considered a premium niche product, blueberries are now a staple item in international retail programs, supported by growing consumer demand and their reputation as a healthy, high-value food.

Global growth remains strong, and the industry is entering a new phase characterized by greater professionalization, technological investment, commercial consolidation, and increasing international competition.

Growing Consumption and an Increasingly Global Market

North America and Europe continue to be the main consumption markets, but Asia, the Middle East, and several emerging markets are also showing highly promising growth rates.

In the United States, per capita consumption now exceeds 1.3 kg per year, while European demand remains strong despite price fluctuations and increasing international competition. China, India, Thailand, and other Asian markets represent some of the most significant growth opportunities for the industry in the coming years.

The strength of the blueberry market is driven by several factors:

• Perception as a superfood

• Convenience and ease of consumption

• Growing consumer focus on health and wellness

• Expansion of modern retail distribution

• Year-round product availability

Today, consumers expect to find blueberries on store shelves throughout the year, transforming what was once a seasonal crop into a global product available 12 months a year.

Peru: The Global Industry Leader

If there is one country that has transformed the global blueberry market in recent years, it is undoubtedly Peru.

Thanks to varietal innovation, massive investments, efficient logistics, and favorable climatic conditions, Peru has become the world's leading blueberry exporter. During the 2024/25 season, the country exported approximately 327,000 tonnes of fresh blueberries, accounting for more than 30% of global fresh blueberry exports.

Production continues to expand, and many industry operators expect further growth in the coming years, with increasing focus on Asian markets alongside the traditional markets of the United States and Europe.

Morocco, Poland and Africa: Emerging Key Players

Morocco is also becoming an increasingly important strategic supplier to Europe.

Its geographic proximity to European markets, competitive production costs, and highly favorable production window are enabling rapid growth in exports.

At the same time, several other countries are expanding their presence in the industry:

• Poland

• South Africa

• Zimbabwe

• Mexico

• China

• Egypt

New production regions are investing heavily in genetics, logistics, and infrastructure to secure a position within the global blueberry market.

Logistics Becomes a Decisive Factor

One of the most critical aspects shaping the future of the industry will be logistics.

Today, international blueberry trade depends increasingly on:

• Cold chain management

• Shelf life performance

• Varieties suitable for long-distance transportation

• Port efficiency

• Post-harvest management

The ability to ship blueberries thousands of kilometers while maintaining high quality has become a fundamental competitive advantage.

As a result, more companies are investing in:

• Innovative packaging solutions

• Automated sorting systems

• Quality monitoring technologies

• Supply chain digitalization

Production and Technology: The New Competitive Landscape

The blueberry industry is experiencing a period of intense innovation.

The most competitive companies are investing in:

• New varieties

• Greenhouses and protective structures

• Automation

• Mechanical harvesting

• Precision agriculture

• Artificial intelligence applied to crop management

Growing labor shortages and rising production costs are accelerating the search for technological solutions capable of improving efficiency and profitability.

Italy: Quality and Specialization as Competitive Advantages

Italy will likely not be able to compete on volume with countries such as Peru or Morocco.

However, it can build a strong position by focusing on:

• Premium quality

• Varietal innovation

• Specialized production systems

• High-value markets

• Sustainability

• Technical expertise

Italian blueberry growers and companies will need to invest increasingly in training, technology, and commercial organization to remain competitive in an increasingly selective global market.

The Future of the Blueberry Business

The global blueberry market is expected to continue growing in the coming years. At the same time, the industry will likely experience increasing consolidation, with a stronger distinction between highly organized businesses and less structured operations.

The companies that will achieve the greatest success will be those capable of:

• Continuously innovating

• Reducing production costs

• Investing in quality

• Developing international commercial relationships

• Efficiently managing logistics and post-harvest operations

• Building collaboration and networking opportunities

For this reason, the future of the industry will depend not only on cultivation practices but also on the ability to integrate production, technology, market development, and international relationships.

This is precisely the direction in which Agroconsulenze is working through consulting services, networking activities, professional training, international events, and the development of connections between growers, technology companies, buyers, investors, and berry industry stakeholders.

The blueberry industry continues to grow worldwide.

And with it grows the need to build an increasingly strong, innovative, and future-oriented international network. Agroconsuelnze.com info@agroconsulenze.com