Global blueberry demand rises as supply expands and diversifies

GLOBAL – Global appetite for blueberries is rising, with North America and Europe leading consumption, while emerging markets in Asia show promising growth, according to the latest RaboResearch Blueberry Update 2025.

As global supply expands, producers face pressure to maintain efficiency and consistent quality to meet increasing demand.

“Global blueberry supply is expanding and becoming more diverse,” said David Magaña, Senior Food & Agribusiness Analyst at RaboResearch.

He explained that Peru remains South America’s largest supplier, while Morocco is growing quickly in Africa and could eventually surpass Chile and Canada.

The United States maintains stable production, Canada’s output is steady, and Mexico faces pressure to improve cost efficiency. South American producers continue experimenting with new varieties, while Europe grapples with regulatory challenges.

China has emerged as the world’s largest producer and has begun exporting, contributing to a more integrated global supply chain. “Scale, genetics, and logistics will determine future competitiveness,” Magaña added.

Rising consumption in established and emerging markets

Blueberry consumption shows strong growth in key markets. “There is still room for growth in the US. Overall demand is rising significantly and outpacing that of other fruits. The trend toward healthy snacking presents an opportunity for further demand growth in both established and emerging markets,” Magaña noted.

Over the last ten years, US imports have increased sharply, while real prices have risen slightly, indicating that the market can absorb higher volumes without reducing prices.

In Europe, demand is growing even faster, but challenges remain. “Ensuring sufficient availability and quality during certain times of the year remains a challenge. At the same time, competition has intensified,” Magaña said.

He pointed out that Peruvian blueberry exports to the EU have nearly quadrupled in the past decade, while Morocco’s rapid expansion could make it the second-largest exporter by the end of this decade.

However, the country’s growth depends on critical production factors such as land, water, and labor, which are not guaranteed. Rising costs and resource constraints in the EU continue to limit production growth.

Looking beyond traditional markets

Producers are also keeping an eye on emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East. While countries such as India and Thailand import smaller volumes, demand is gradually increasing. Strategic marketing, improved efficiency, and maintaining high quality will be crucial for exporters hoping to benefit from these new opportunities.

“To capitalize on rising consumption in both established and emerging markets, producers and exporters worldwide must focus on improving quality, efficiency, and strategic marketing,” Magaña said.

As the blueberry market grows, the balance between supply, quality, and cost will shape which countries lead in exports. For both established and new markets, producers who meet demand reliably and efficiently will remain competitive in the years ahead.

The full RaboResearch Blueberry Update 2025 report is available for download here.

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