The 2025 IBO Summit in Cape Town underscored the need for unity in the global blueberry industry, captured by the concept of ubuntu. After intense years, the sector recognizes that its future depends on collaboration, shared learning, and coordinated growth.
The reminder from the 2015 Summit — “Don’t let blueberries go bananas” — feels even more relevant, warning against uniformity and the risk of becoming generic.
Southern Hemisphere reshaping supply
Over the past decade, the Southern Hemisphere has reshaped global supply. Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and especially Peru drove an expansion that made blueberries a year-round product.
Demand absorbed this growth without eroding value, as shown by RaboResearch: U.S. imports tripled and EU imports doubled between 2010 and 2024.
Still, the U.S. market remains highly concentrated, meaning penetration — not just volume — is the next frontier.
Sustainability through strategy
The text highlights that growing demand through oversupply is unsustainable. Instead, the industry must invest in strategic promotion, educate consumers, and diversify consumption occasions.
Blueberries are entering new spaces such as snack aisles and children’s products, and every origin must now contribute with quality, consistency, and innovation.
Genetics, technology, logistics, and flexible formats will define competitiveness.
Emerging regions and value
Finally, emerging regions like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Morocco, and parts of South America show growing potential, but must add real value.
The industry’s progress carries a human dimension: blueberries generate employment, strengthen rural economies, and deliver a healthy product.
The future of the category depends on today’s decisions, shaping long-term value for producers, consumers, and communities.
Source: internationalblueberry.org
