Colombia is emerging as one of the new strategic hubs for blueberry exports worldwide, with Colombia blueberries leading the way. Once a marginal player in the global blueberry market, the country is now experiencing an extraordinary acceleration in the production of fresh blueberries, thanks to ideal climatic conditions and increasing investments in the blueberry supply chain.
In 2024, Colombia blueberry exports exceeded 628 tons, generating over $3.3 million (circa €3.1 milioni) in revenue. To put this in perspective, in 2016, total exports were limited to just 13 kilograms. According to estimates from the Rural Agricultural Planning Unit (UPRA), cultivated areas could grow to 5,000 hectares by 2026, marking a 669% increase in blueberry cultivation in Colombia.
This expansion is set to transform the blueberry industry in Latin America, with direct implications for European markets as well.
Blueberry cultivation in Colombia: From the Andean Savannas to the Coffee Region
The story of blueberry cultivation in Colombia began about 25 years ago, with the first attempts to acclimatize the Biloxi variety. However, it wasn't until 2017 that structured projects emerged in the savannas of Cundinamarca and Boyacá, territories ideal for their altitude, water availability, and skilled labor.
Today, leading regions are complemented by new areas experiencing rapid development, such as Antioquia, Cauca, the Coffee Region, and Nariño. The unique Colombian climate allows for year-round production, offering a competitive advantage over seasonal producers like Chile, Mexico, and Peru. This continuous production makes Colombian blueberries highly attractive for buyers in both USA and Europe.
Planting densities range from 5,500 to 9,000 plants per hectare, with an average Brix score of 13.4, ensuring sweetness and a distinctive organoleptic profile. The most commonly used varieties today include Biloxi, Ventura, Victoria, and Emerald, while trials with premium genetics from other Latin American breeders are ongoing. These premium varieties are helping Colombia blueberries establish a strong position in high-end markets.
Growing exports: USA, Europe, and new Asian routes
According to ProColombia data, in 2023, the main markets for Colombia blueberry exports were:
- United States (34.7% of total exports)
- Netherlands (10.8%)
- Germany (8.5%)
However, the potential is still largely untapped. Interest from Asia and the Middle East is growing rapidly, fueled by the Colombian product's ability to fill market gaps left by other exporters. Colombia blueberries are poised to further expand their reach in these emerging markets.
"The sweetness of our fruits allows us to compete in premium niches, where consumers are attentive to the balance between sugar and acidity," explains Miller Preciado of Elite Blu, one of the pioneers of blueberry cultivation in Colombia.
Global blueberry market: A new player emerges
In the context of the global blueberry market, Colombia blueberries are positioning themselves as a key player capable of offering quality, continuity, and logistical convenience. This makes Colombia blueberry exports an appealing resource for European and Italian buyers, especially during months when local production is unavailable. The ability to supply during off-seasons gives Colombia blueberries a significant competitive edge in the global blueberry market.
The increase in cultivation areas, combined with a now-mature technical curve, allows the country to target high-end markets, both in the fresh produce sector and in industrial processing.
The future of Colombia blueberries is in premium positioning
With over 95% of current production still destined for the domestic market, the expansion into exports is just beginning. However, the trajectory is clear: Colombian blueberries are ready to capture new market segments with a stable, traceable, and high-value-added offer. The blue dream, long dormant, has finally taken shape, and the wave starting from the Colombian highlands promises to reshape the dynamics of the global blueberry industry.
