Italian Berry has finalized an agreement to publish a series of articles from the 2024 IBO Report, the most comprehensive global study on the blueberry supply chain.
The report is compiled and updated annually by the International Blueberry Organization.
IBO at the center of global blueberry collaboration
The International Blueberry Organization (IBO) is a voluntary global organization that brings together leaders from around the world in the blueberry sector, including all segments of the industry, such as blueberry growers, traders, affiliated companies, social groups, and governmental organizations worldwide.
IBO's purpose is to learn, share, and enhance understanding, distribute information, address common challenges, coordinate potential solutions, and explore opportunities. Ultimately, the organization exists to promote the health and sustainability of the blueberry industry.
The 2024 edition of the report collects and analyzes global blueberry industry trends in 240 pages, offering a 360-degree view of all aspects of the supply chain.
The study is compiled by gathering data and opinions from dozens of experts and key players in the sector, from different professional backgrounds and geographical contexts.
Colin Fain's greeting to Italian Berry readers
The first article published on Italian Berry covers some of the main trends currently happening in the industry: origins, prices, varieties, and data.
This initiative was welcomed by Colin Fain, CEO of Agronometrics and head of the international team that compiled the report:
Dear Italian Berry Readers,
I’m happy to write to you today to announce the launch of a new segment on Italian Berry, dedicated to providing key highlights from the International Blueberry Organization’s 2024 IBO Report. This new initiative reflects the long-standing relationship between the report team and Italian Berry, a collaboration built on trust, shared passion, and the goal of delivering timely and relevant insights to the blueberry industry.
As many of you know, the IBO Report is a comprehensive, data-driven publication that takes a deep dive into the most critical aspects of the global blueberry market. From production trends and market dynamics to innovations in farming techniques and consumer preferences, our report provides actionable intelligence to empower industry participants across the value chain.
By launching this new segment, Italian Berry will offer readers an ongoing look into the report’s findings, tailored to the specific needs and interests of the Italian and wider European blueberry industry. This platform will ensure that you stay informed and ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
We look forward to sharing this journey with you, and I am confident that this new segment will be a valuable resource as we navigate the future of the blueberry industry together.
Warm regards,
Colin Fain
CEO, Agronometrics
IBO Report Team Lead
Colin Fain
CEO, Agronometrics
Head of the IBO Report Team
Introduction
The report opens with an introduction by Cort Brazelton (IBO SOTIR, Chief Editor), Colin Fain (Report Team Leader), and Matt Ogg (Narrative and Lead Writer), outlining the key features of this work:
This report exists to empower participants throughout the blueberry industry with improved information. We hold a con- viction that a more informed industry and market is a healthier one. This project is producer focused and intended as a tool for producers large and small in making decisions such as how and where to bring their fruit to market, whether to expand their production or invest in their operations, or to change varieties or growing methods.
The international nature of this report is also intended to help offer perspective on how the supply and market trends of one region are comparable to and affect others. We thank you for your interest and support.
This report follows an established methodology seeking to complement interviews from experts and industry leaders on the ground with the most reliable data available. These tools have proved adept at telling the story of the industry as it has grown and continues to evolve as one of the most desirable categories in the produce aisle. New to this year's version of the report is the producer survey, helping add a qualitative dimension to the global industry unavailable in previous versions.
Background on this Report: This 2024 IBO Report represents the 12th iteration under the current editor. The project began under the direction of the United States Highbush Blueberry Council and North American Blueberry Council in 2007. Responsibility was transferred to the IBO as the organization came into its own in the early 2010’s.
The transition from the USHBC oversight to the IBO arena was made in consideration of the increasingly global nature of the industry and the need for a comprehensive and global perspective. The scale and scope of the 2007 project was markedly smaller when compared to what the endeavor has come to involve in recent years.
As the industry grows and expands in current and new geographies, both new consuming markets and new production regions, the task of ensuring this project is comprehensive becomes ever more daunting. From 2007 through the 2017/18 report, the project was produced and led by Cort Brazelton.
For the 2019 report, Colin Fain of Agronometrics partnered with Cort Brazelton to co-lead the project. At the conclusion of that project, it became clear this project needed a broader team. The IBO Board was in full support and approved the new expanded team and approach in early 2020.
Many thanks to the IBO board for this opportunity to serve the industry. Also, many thanks to the many contributors who magnanimously and often anonymously gave their time to provide useful insights and information. As always, please forgive the errors and generalizations which fall short of desired precision. They are not intentional. We hope readers can make good use of this year’s product and, if they are not members of the IBO, are inspired to join the effort!
We would like to extend a special thanks to Leslie Wada from the USHBC for her contribution on the health research update and Tamara Muruetagoiena from the IFPA for insights on ESG and general sustainability trends in fresh produce. Thank you to all Country Members for their contributions in the country sections.
Blueberries are a truly special crop, bringing a healthy choice to consumers around the globe while presenting an incredible development opportunity to improve the lives of people and their local economies. Those of us who work in service of this wonderful fruit, our many blueberry colleagues around the world, and those who enjoy it are truly blessed.
Read more
Click here to read more abstracts of the 2024 IBO Report.
The report is also available in the full original version (in English) for free download.
