Poland, historically a leading exporter of fresh blueberries in Europe, is undergoing a market transformation in 2025. Despite expanding its blueberry production area from 5,800 to 11,900 hectares between 2018 and 2022 and maintaining output between 60,000 and 68,000 tons annually, the country is witnessing a strategic pivot. Domestic demand for blueberries is growing fast, driven by increased consumer awareness and a desire for year-round availability, prompting a shift from export-led growth to local market prioritization.
This evolution has exposed structural challenges. Most farms remain small, averaging just 1.4 hectares, which hinders mechanization and keeps average yields at 5.7 tons per hectare — below the global average of 9 tons. While Poland still exports to Germany, the UK, and Scandinavia, recent seasons have seen a drop in net exports. In fact, 2022/2023 marked a trade deficit of €6.4 million, as imports from Spain, Morocco, Peru, and South Africa surged to meet off-season demand.
Challenges and competition
The decline in re-exports of Ukrainian blueberries, as Ukrainian growers increasingly ship directly to EU buyers, has also impacted Poland’s export volumes. Labor shortages remain a pressing issue, with hand-picking still the norm and mechanization difficult to implement for small-scale operations. Rising costs and global competition, particularly from Peru, are placing further strain on Polish producers.
In response, the industry is investing in higher-yield varieties, improved post-harvest facilities, and exploring new export markets such as China and the Middle East. Others are focusing on premium fruit to serve health-conscious consumers in Europe. Looking ahead, Poland is expected to produce over 70,000 tons by 2030, with a larger share destined for its domestic market — signaling a new, more balanced chapter for the country once famed for saturating Europe with blueberries each summer.
Text and images source: Agronometrics.com
