China’s blueberry sector is entering a new growth phase, with domestic production rising by 35% and quality improving thanks to technologies like substrate cultivation and digital monitoring.
Online sales now favor local berries over imported ones, as consumers respond to better flavor, appearance and consistency.
Yunnan guida la produzione
Yunnan is emerging as the country’s production engine, accounting for nearly 30% of the national volume.
Its climate and temperature variations produce firm, well-colored fruit with clear competitive advantages.
Companies such as Dream of Fruit are rapidly expanding, doubling production and developing varieties like M8, M9, L42 and Bianca to meet diverse market demands.
Prezzi ed esportazioni
Prices in Yunnan are slightly lower than last year due to concentrated production and a more efficient supply chain, maintaining the usual seasonal pattern of high early prices and softer late-season values.
Exports are growing toward markets such as Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, each showing specific preferences for sweetness, size or appearance.
Domanda interna e prospettive
Domestic demand is increasing, pushing producers to focus on sweeter profiles preferred by Chinese consumers and encouraging standardized cultivation on a large scale.
Although some local varieties cost more than imported ones, their superior quality and reliability give them an advantage, reflected in rising e-commerce sales.
Despite rapid growth, per-capita consumption remains very low, suggesting large future potential as competition, branding and technology evolve.
Text and image source: www.internationalblueberry.org
