The Third Yunnan Blueberry Conference opened on December 19 in Jianshui County, Honghe Prefecture, in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, bringing together scholars, industry experts, companies and buyers from across the country. The event aimed to define pathways for the high-quality development of China’s rapidly expanding blueberry industry.
During the three-day conference, key agreements were signed to strengthen the sector, including the joint establishment of the Yunnan Blueberry Research Institute and a strategic deal to enhance financial support across the entire Honghe blueberry value chain. Organizations and individuals who made significant contributions to the local industry were also formally recognized.
Focus on development and innovation
Discussions focused on major opportunities and challenges facing the blueberry sector, with particular attention to branding strategies, innovation in breeding, and technical advancements. The program also included closed-door matchmaking sessions for the new harvest season, forums on water–fertilizer and substrate technologies, and a targeted investment promotion event centered on the Honghe blueberry supply chain.
According to data presented at the conference, the global blueberry market is expected to exceed USD 32 billion (circa EUR 29,2 miliardi) by 2025. China’s blueberry planting area surpassed 1.4 million mu (circa 93.000 ettari) by the end of 2024, reflecting the fruit’s transition from a niche premium product to a mainstream consumer good. Leveraging strong geographic and climatic advantages, Honghe has emerged as a leading production hub, accounting for about 16% of national output, with plans to further scale, green and brand its blueberry industry.
Text and image source: www.businesswire.com
