According to a new report by RaboResearch, supply and demand for blueberries is likely to expand steadily in the coming years.
The nine-page report, written by RaboResearch senior fresh produce analyst David Magaña, is entitled 'Consistent quality is the new blue: A Look Into the Future of the Blueberry Market'(Rabobank)
With prices flattening and costs rising, margins at blueberries have been under pressure, according to the report. As a result, Magaña said companies are being pushed to be more productive and more efficient, and to consistently supply high quality fruit to benefit from expanding opportunities throughout the year.
Improved cultivars will play an increasingly significant role in all growing regions, according to the report, and expanding demand in Europe will be the main source of global demand growth.
RaboResearch estimates that global exports in 2025-26 could reach almost 900,000 tonnes, with 70% coming from the main exporting countries: Peru, Chile, Canada, Mexico and Spain/Morocco.
The global export volume of blueberries has grown at a compound annual growth rate of about 11% over the past decade, according to the report.
Since the 2019-20 season, Peru has become the largest global exporter of fresh blueberries , according to the report, with peak shipments from September to November. While the US is the main market for Peruvian blueberries , traders are making efforts to diversify exports, the report said.
RaboResearch said demand is expected to grow in the EU and UK markets. Tools such as Eco-Scores and Nutri-Scores will be used by consumers to identify the nutritional and environmental aspects of products, and the report said blueberries topped the Nutri-Score.
Some of the winning strategies for traders at blueberries in the future, Magaña said, include merger and acquisition opportunities, diversification/internationalisation, focus on quality and consistency, mechanical harvesting, organic products and packaging innovation.
Source: My Blue Project
My Blue Project is part of the global network of Italian Berry
