While in most parts of China blueberry bushes are just beginning to bloom, early-ripening varieties in the southwestern province of Yunnan are already being harvested.
Farmers are working tirelessly to pick and pack the fresh berries, which quickly reach markets across China and even abroad.
Originally from North America, blueberries have found a second home in China.
National production and Yunnan's role
In 2024, the area cultivated with blueberries in the country exceeded 73,000 hectares, with a yield of around 500,000 tonnes of berries, making China one of the fastest-growing countries in blueberry production worldwide.
The province of Yunnan, thanks to its ideal climate and extended growing season, has established itself as one of the main production hubs, contributing about 30% of national output.
Thanks to its unique geographical conditions, abundant sunlight, and large temperature swings between day and night, Yunnan offers an optimal environment for blueberry cultivation.
“Yunnan is a natural habitat for blueberries,” said He Jiawei, director of the Institute of Alpine Economy and Botany at the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
A farmer harvests blueberries in a greenhouse in Mengzi, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, southwest China, February 28, 2025.
Cultivation, local economy, and employment
The province is home to 46 wild blueberry species — more than half of the total found in China — making it one of the best production areas in the world.
The city of Mengzi, in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, has over 2,300 hectares of greenhouse blueberry cultivation, generating over 3 billion yuan (about 386 million euros) in revenue and improving the economic conditions and livelihoods of over 20,000 local farmers.
Min Hongwei launched a 12-hectare blueberry plantation last year in Mile, another city in the Honghe Prefecture. “During peak harvest season, our workforce exceeds 150 people, most of whom are local villagers.
They can earn at least 150 yuan per day (about €19.30), and some make up to 300 yuan (about €38.60),” he said.
Investment and international market
Yunnan’s blueberry boom has attracted over 100 companies, both Chinese and international, to the Honghe area, creating jobs for over 100,000 people.
According to the provincial agricultural department, in 2024 the blueberry cultivation area in Yunnan reached 16,660 hectares, producing 171,000 tonnes with an estimated industry value of 17 billion yuan (about €2.19 billion).
While initially Chinese blueberries were meant for domestic consumption only, they are now entering international markets as well.
Chen Canling, sales manager at Anmei, an agriculture and technology company, stated that this year the company successfully entered the Malaysian market.
Exports and future outlook
“To meet export standards, we have implemented precision management throughout the supply chain, from harvesting techniques to packaging and international logistics,” said Chen.
“Our goal is to export 300 tonnes of blueberries this year.”
“Every four days we airfreight two tonnes of blueberries to Dubai,” added Wang Rui, chairman of agricultural development company Fengji, highlighting that Dubai customers can enjoy fresh Yunnan blueberries within about 40 hours.
Chinese blueberry exports are growing rapidly. According to Kunming Customs, in 2024 the customs office in Mengzi oversaw the export of 1,425 tonnes of blueberries, accounting for over half of China’s total blueberry exports, making it the country’s top blueberry export hub.
“Since China first began exporting domestically grown blueberries to Russia in 2020, they have reached over 10 countries and regions, highlighting the vast market potential of Chinese blueberries,” said Li Yadong, a professor at Jilin Agricultural University.
In 2024, China’s blueberry cultivation area exceeded 73,000 hectares, yielding about 500,000 tonnes of berries, making China one of the world’s fastest-growing blueberry producers. Yunnan Province, with its ideal climate and extended growing season, has become a major production hub, contributing about 30% of national output. (Photo by Xue Yingying/Xinhua)
Source: News.cn
