The global blueberry industry is currently undergoing a decisive transformation, characterized by rapid growth, shifting destination markets, and increasingly demanding consumers, according to FreshFruitPortal.
Mario Steta, International President of the International Blueberry Organization, participated in the 15th annual Aneberries Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico. Together with other industry leaders from Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia, Steta analyzed the sector’s situation at a global level.
Since markets such as China, the United States, Canada, Germany, and Poland offer the greatest consumption potential, the panel highlighted the industry’s efforts to improve fruit quality through the development of new genetic varieties and differentiation strategies. Plans to expand into new markets such as Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia were also emphasized.
Expansion and new challenges
While countries like Peru forecast growth of 25% in volumes for the next season, industry leaders agreed that the real challenge for blueberry producers is not tonnage, but rather ensuring a consistent product with excellent flavor that meets consumer demands.
Steta recalled that global blueberry production was 200,000 tons in 2008, rising to 500,000 in 2012 and 800,000 in 2017. It currently stands at 1.5 million tons, but the target, he stated, is ambitious: “We aim to reach 2.5 million tons by 2027.”
Chile and Mexico: different strategies
Héctor Enrique Luján, global CEO of Hortifrut, spoke about the Chilean situation, noting that fresh fruit exports have declined, while there has been growth in the frozen segment. The industry has chosen to focus on higher quality standards, seeking new genetics and varieties more resistant to transportation between markets.
Luján emphasized that Chilean blueberries maintain a strong presence in the European, Chinese, and U.S. markets. For the next season, he expects a volume similar to 2024, “perhaps slightly lower, but with a strong transition towards new genetics.” He believes the Chilean sector can relaunch and reaffirm itself as a major blueberry producer during the commercial period from December to February.
César Ortiz, CEO of Berries Paradise, stated that in the 2023/24 season the cultivated area in Mexico dropped from over 32,000 to about 27,500 hectares, a reduction of more than 2.5%. However, he foresees strong growth in the coming years, with a target of 100,000 tons.
Colombia and Peru: continuous growth
“We must deliver the best possible product to increase demand. Quality must be our priority. Today, consumers are more informed: they know varieties and origins, and this creates healthy competition,” he said. According to Ortiz, Mexico has room and opportunities for expansion, being able to meet the growing demand for fresh fruit.
“We are 24 hours away from the world’s largest market, right across the border. It is undoubtedly a privileged position,” he concluded.
Freddy Cortés, President of AsocolBlue Colombia, explained that Colombia has about 2,100 hectares of blueberries under cultivation. While it is still an emerging market, it has a key competitive advantage: it can produce blueberries year-round.
“Our season starts in week 1 and ends in week 52,” he said. Cortés emphasized the importance of proven genetics and good productivity, which give Colombian blueberries an intense and distinctive flavor.
“In Colombia we must do things the right way, with the sole objective of producing a quality fruit that wins over consumers and the local market,” he said.
Peru: efficiency and new opportunities
Miguel Bentín, President of Proarándanos, recalled that Peru has just concluded its season with a production of about 318,000 tons. For the 2024/25 season, he expects growth of 25%, aiming to reach 405,000 tons.
However, Bentín warned against confusing volume with success: “Our focus must remain on managing the challenges linked to growth. Today we are our own main competitors.”
He added that Peru is working to flatten production curves and expand into new markets. “We expect growth in Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia over the next three to five years,” he said.
United on quality
Regardless of differences between markets, all industry leaders were clear: the priority is quality.
“If we do not deliver good quality, good flavor, and excellent service, we simply cannot compete,” said Luján. He also noted that it is important to consider how the largest markets are now also among the main producers.
There are, however, situations like Mexico, where per capita consumption is much lower compared to Colombia. “There are many opportunities worldwide. But it must also be understood that blueberries are now being grown in more and more areas of the planet,” Luján concluded.
Text and image source: fruitnet.com
