The Chinese blueberry industry has experienced remarkable growth, with demand increasing by 40% annually despite economic slowdowns.
Factors contributing to this growth include the efforts of companies like Driscoll’s and Joyvio in educating consumers about blueberry benefits.
Major players like NPS have rapidly expanded, planting vast acreage, particularly of Southern Highbush varieties for off-season production. Export initiatives by distributors like Driscoll’s and Joyvio are addressing oversupply concerns by targeting Southeast Asian markets.
Challenges include land zoning policies favoring staple crops, intellectual property theft, climate change, and rising labor costs.
Despite these challenges, regions like Yunnan stand out for their ability to produce quality blueberries year-round. The market is fragmented, with branding and packaging playing a crucial role.
As the industry matures, international collaboration and adaptation to evolving market dynamics will be crucial for sustained growth.
Read the full article: Colin Fain for Asiafruit Magazine
Image by tawatchai07 on Freepik
