Even considering their growth over the last two decades, blueberries have been identified in a survey among industry professionals as the berries with the greatest potential for increased consumption over the next five years.
The 268 voters in a poll on the LinkedIn Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group were asked: "Which category of berries has more room to grow in the next five years?"
The results of the poll were:
USDA retail sales data per capita shows strong increases for each category of fresh berries.
The USDA does not report per capita consumption of blackberries.
- Retail per capita consumption of raspberries in 2021 was 0.8 pounds (0.36 kg), up 166% from 0.3 pounds (0.14 kg) in 2011 and up 700% from 0.1 pounds (0.045 kg) in 2001.
- Retail per capita consumption of strawberries in 2021 was 6.7 pounds (3.04 kg), up 45% from 4.6 pounds (2.09 kg) in 2011 and up 131% from 2.9 pounds (1.32 kg) in 2001.
- Retail per capita consumption of blueberries in 2021 was 2.3 pounds (1.04 kg), up 92% from 1.2 pounds (0.54 kg) in 2011 and up 667% from 0.3 pounds (0.14 kg) in 2001.
Trade numbers show explosive growth for all berries.
- The value of imports into the US of all berries excluding strawberries was $4.3 billion (about €3.95 billion) in 2023, up 339% from 2013 and up 1940% from 2003.
- The value of imports into the US of fresh and frozen strawberries was $1.49 billion (about €1.37 billion) in 2023, up 331% from 2013 and up 1275% from 2003.
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