In this article, we’ll delve into the largest exporters of blueberries in the world that dominate this global market.
Blueberries, with their sweet and tangy flavor, have captured the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide. Their popularity has led to a booming export industry, where countries strive to meet the increasing demand for these delightful little fruits.
Leading the pack in blueberry exports is the United States, with its vast blueberry farms in states like Michigan, Oregon, and Georgia. They’re closely followed by Canada, where the climate in provinces like British Columbia and Quebec provides ideal conditions for blueberry cultivation.
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In the Southern Hemisphere, Chile shines as a prominent blueberry exporter, thanks to its counter-seasonal advantage, allowing them to supply blueberries during the Northern Hemisphere’s off-season.
Other countries making their mark in the global blueberry export scene include Mexico, Peru, and Argentina in the Americas, as well as Spain, the Netherlands, and Poland in Europe.
These top 30 blueberry exporters collectively contribute to the availability of this delectable fruit worldwide, ensuring that blueberry lovers everywhere can enjoy their favorite berry year-round.
As per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), the global blueberry trade hit a value of $2.77 billion in 2021, with an impressive export volume exceeding 459,000 tons. In the same year, blueberry production worldwide was estimated at around 1.79 million metric tons. Notably, data from the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) reveals that blueberry production by countries doubled from 2010 to 2019, with the number of countries cultivating blueberries rising from 26 to 30 during this period. Additionally, FAS highlighted that the number of countries producing 10,000 tons or more annually increased from four in 2010 to 11 by 2019. The global blueberry market’s size stood at $8.3 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5%, reaching $11.3 billion by the end of this decade.
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Despite China being the largest blueberry producer globally, with an annual output of 477,080 tons, the country mainly consumes its production domestically and is not a significant exporter. Instead, China imports blueberries from various countries to meet its domestic demand. In the last decade, Peru has emerged as a major blueberry grower and exporter, surpassing exports of even avocados. Peru is now the third-largest global blueberry producer, following China and the US. The US is Peru’s primary export market, receiving 124,450 tons of blueberries from the South American nation. According to the International Blueberry Organization (IBO), global blueberry production is expected to exceed 3 million tons by the mid-2020s.
The history of blueberries traces back to the early 1900s in the US, where the first commercial cultivation took place in New Jersey. Today, blueberries rank as the second-most produced berry in the country. Worldwide, blueberries have gained popularity due to their abundant health benefits, particularly their antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. Blueberries are also known to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and support healthy blood vessel function. Some of the best blueberry varieties include Biloxi, Bluecrop, and Blueray, and they thrive in countries like the USA, Mexico, and Morocco, where the conditions are ideal for high-quality blueberry production. The trend of hydroponic blueberry cultivation is also on the rise in these nations.
Given the global demand for blueberries, prominent companies like Kellogg Company (NYSE:K), Nestlé S.A. (OTC:NSRGY), and Dole plc (NYSE:DOLE) have introduced products containing blueberries. Driscoll’s, headquartered in Watsonville, California, is a major player in the berry industry known for its top-notch berries and significant market share in the US. Recently, Driscoll’s joined The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, aiming to promote eco-friendly packaging solutions for berries while preserving their freshness. Another key player in the fruits and vegetables industry is Ardo Foods, strategically locating its production and distribution sites in fertile crop-growing regions across Europe. Ardo is a global leader in the industry, exporting its products to over 100 countries worldwide.
Our Approach
We’ve compiled a list of the world’s top 30 blueberry exporters using the most recent data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) website. These countries are arranged in order, starting with the lowest 2021 export values and ascending from there. Additionally, we’ve included the volume of blueberries exported by each of these nations.
Top 30 Largest Exporters of Blueberries in the World
1. Peru
Blueberry Export Value: $1,201,363,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 205,831 tons
Peru has its sights set on expanding its blueberry exports to China, which currently ranks as the third-largest destination for Peruvian blueberries. The motivation behind this strategic move is the higher prices that Peru can command for its blueberries in the Asian market. In the most recent season, major European nations and the United States paid approximately $4.80 per kilogram of blueberries. In contrast, China offered a more attractive price of $5.97 per kilogram.
2. Mexico
Blueberry Export Value: $513,864,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 58,034 tons
Mexico holds a prominent position as both a blueberry producer and exporter on the global stage. In 2021, Mexico claimed the fifth spot among the world’s leading blueberry producers, boasting an impressive production figure of 66,482 tons. The United States emerges as the top destination for Mexican blueberries, primarily owing to its close proximity, ensuring efficient transportation and timely delivery of these delectable berries. Notably, regions like Jalisco, Michoacán, Baja California, and Guanajuato in Mexico are recognized as highly favorable areas for blueberry cultivation.
3. Morocco
Blueberry Export Value: $302,238,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 42,562 tons
Morocco has ventured into blueberry cultivation, focusing on regions such as Kenitra, Meknes, and Agadir. Moroccan farmers are embracing modern production methods, including the use of high tunnels and drip irrigation systems, to boost yields and prolong the blueberry growing season. Leveraging its geographical proximity to Europe, Morocco is setting its sights on European nations as key export markets for its blueberries.
4. USA
Blueberry Export Value: $289,514,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 59,736 tons
In 2021, the United States harvested a whopping 351,130 tons of blueberries, an impressive production figure. However, even with this substantial output, the nation found itself in a position where it couldn’t fully satisfy the local demand. The U.S. continued to be a net importer of blueberries, bringing in more than 199,000 tons from other sources.
Blueberry cultivation is widespread across the country, with key production hubs located in states such as Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Georgia, and New Jersey, among others.
5. Netherlands
Blueberry Export Value: $260,558,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 34,577 tons
The Netherlands has clinched the fifth spot on our list of the world’s biggest blueberry exporters. Dutch blueberries have gained a reputation for their exceptional quality and find their way into numerous international markets.
6. Spain
Blueberry Export Value: $250,218,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 36,663 tons
Spain ranks as the world’s third-largest net exporter of blueberries, trailing behind only Mexico and Peru. In 2021, Spain’s import expenses for blueberries amounted to $21 million. Noteworthy global players in the blueberry product market include companies like Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), Nestlé S.A. (OTC: NSRGY), and Dole plc (NYSE: DOLE).
7. Poland
Blueberry Export Value: $138,482,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 24,880 tons
In 2021, Poland achieved an annual blueberry yield of 55,300 tons. These Polish blueberries make their way to diverse destinations, including Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and several other European countries.
8. Canada
Blueberry Export Value: $99,812,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 25,597 tons
Canada stands as the world’s third-largest blueberry producer, boasting an impressive annual harvest of 146,551 tons in 2021. Despite this substantial production, Canada remained a net importer, bringing in over 45,000 tons from other sources. The export market for Canadian blueberries is robust, and the nation’s renown for delivering top-quality blueberries has played a pivotal role in its success.
9. New Zealand
Blueberry Export Value: $48,332,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 2,860 tons
New Zealand boasts self-sufficiency in its blueberry production, yielding a substantial 3,680 tons in 2021 and importing just a minimal quantity of one ton. These New Zealand blueberries find their way to various corners of the globe, including Australia, China, the United States, Japan, and Europe. Typically, New Zealand’s blueberry harvest season spans from November to March.
10. Germany
Blueberry Export Value: $38,240,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 5,778 tons
Germany, renowned for its robust agricultural sector and sizable consumer market, secured the ninth spot among the world’s blueberry producers in 2021, with an output totaling 15,640 tons. However, owing to the increasing demand for blueberries within the country, Germany found itself as a net importer, bringing in a substantial 35,628 tons of blueberries. These imports primarily originate from Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, and Chile.
11. Portugal
Blueberry Export Value: $38,008,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 5,642 tons
Portugal joins the ranks of net blueberry exporters on our list, with net exports totaling $29.92 million in 2021. Portuguese blueberries find their way to various markets, including other European countries.
12. France
Blueberry Export Value: $36,236,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 4,375 tons
France, according to data from the FAO, ranks as the 12th largest blueberry producer globally. Blueberries thrive in regions such as Brittany, Pays de la Loire, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. However, despite yielding an annual harvest of 7,916 tons in 2021, France remained a net importer, bringing in over 8,800 tons of blueberries from other sources.
13. Italy
Blueberry Export Value: $23,442,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 2,775 tons
Italy, celebrated for its abundant agricultural traditions, has witnessed a growing affinity for blueberries within its borders. According to the FAO, Italy stands as the world’s 10th largest blueberry producer, boasting an annual yield of 8,750 tons in 2021. These delightful berries thrive in regions like Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna.
14. Romania
Blueberry Export Value: $14,580,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 2,323 tons
Romania finds itself among the seven net exporters of blueberries on our list. While the country exports its own blueberries to various European destinations, it also engages in imports from nations with more extensive blueberry industries, such as Poland, the Netherlands, and other European producers. Romanian blueberries make their way to a range of European markets, spanning neighboring countries to those in Western Europe.
15. Austria
Blueberry Export Value: $9,583,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 1,153 tons
Austria ranked 12th globally in terms of blueberry trade value, with an import expenditure totaling $57.34 million in 2021. This heightened import activity can be attributed to Austria’s substantial appetite for blueberries, where local demand consistently outpaces domestic production.
16. Latvia
Blueberry Export Value: $8,091,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 1,716 tons
Latvia boasts a flourishing blueberry industry, buoyed by its favorable climate and natural conditions that foster blueberry cultivation. However, despite this thriving domestic production, the country remains a net importer of blueberries, with an import expenditure amounting to $13.45 million in 2021.
17. Sweden
Blueberry Export Value: $5,411,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 1,893 tons
Sweden plays a substantial role in the blueberry industry, contributing to production, consumption, import, and export activities. Notably, there’s a rising trend in cultivated blueberry production within Sweden. In 2021, the country achieved a production milestone of 60,065 tons of blueberries, solidifying its position as the 16th largest producer on a global scale.
18. Belgium
Blueberry Export Value: $2,660,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 482 tons
Belgium earns its place on the list of the world’s top blueberry exporters, showcasing a noteworthy volume of blueberry exports. This surge in blueberry trade aligns with the growing popularity of blueberries in Belgian culinary endeavors.
19. Estonia
Blueberry Export Value: $1,619,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 240 tons
Estonia benefits from favorable climatic conditions that are conducive to blueberry cultivation, attracting numerous farms and producers to engage in blueberry production. The primary focus of Estonia’s blueberry production centers on meeting domestic market demands, with a fraction also earmarked for export to neighboring nations. In 2021, exports accounted for 12% of Estonia’s overall blueberry trade. Conversely, the country imported blueberries worth $11.84 million during the same year.
20. Romania
Blueberry Export Value: 22,800,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 2,323 tons
Romania’s blueberry market is on an upswing, with the industry poised for growth in the coming years. The country has been successfully exporting its blueberries mainly to Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Hungary. Market forecasts predict that by 2025, the export value could hit an impressive $27.6 million.
Even though the industry faces some challenges, Romania seems to be in a sweet spot for blueberry cultivation. The country’s favorable conditions are part of the reason the export market is expected to continue its upward trajectory. Demand from Western Europe for this healthful fruit shows no signs of slowing down, further boosting the prospects for Romanian blueberry exporters.
21. Czech Republic
Blueberry Export Value: $1,101,000
Blueberry Export Quantity: 120 tons
The Czech Republic has experienced a remarkable surge in blueberry production and exports in recent years, earning it a spot among the world’s top 20 blueberry exporters. In a significant move in spring 2018, the country imported 200,000 one-year-old blueberry plants from the Netherlands and cultivated them across a sprawling 47-hectare area.
Despite this impressive growth in blueberry production, exports accounted for only a modest 5% of the country’s total blueberry trade in 2021.
22. Chile
Blueberry Export Value: $444.22 Million
Blueberry Export Quantity: 105.43 Thousand Metric Tons
The United States takes the lead as the biggest importer of Chilean blueberries, with the Netherlands and China trailing closely behind. In 2022, these three nations were the top destinations for Chile’s blueberry exports.
Even though there’s been a dip in the export value recently, don’t count the Chilean blueberry industry out. It remains a vital part of the nation’s economy and is expected to bounce back in the years ahead. Both local and international appetite for blueberries is on the rise, setting the stage for future growth.
So, despite some bumps in the road, the outlook for Chile’s blueberry industry remains optimistic, making it a key player in both the country’s economy and the global blueberry market.
23. Turkey
Blueberry Export Value: $1.34 Million
Blueberry Export Quantity: 269.74 thousand Metric Tons
Turkey’s blueberry industry may be in its infancy, but it’s making strides at an impressive pace. Thanks to the country’s climate, which is ideal for cultivating blueberries, the sector is seeing rapid growth. On top of that, the Turkish government is lending a helping hand to blueberry farmers, fueling optimism for the industry’s future.
And there’s more good news on the horizon. The European market’s appetite for blueberries is growing, which bodes well for Turkey’s export prospects. All in all, the Turkish blueberry industry is one to watch, as it’s not just flourishing domestically but is also poised for a boost in exports in the coming years.
24. Argentina
Blueberry Export Value: $16.2 Million
Blueberry Export Quantity: 15.57 Thousand Metric Tons
In 2022, Argentina’s blueberry exports hit some bumps in the road. According to Tridge, the country saw its blueberry export value drop by a steep 40% to $16.2 million. The quantity of blueberries exported wasn’t immune to the downturn either, dipping by 10% to 15.57 thousand metric tons. So what’s going on?
Well, several challenges have shaken up the industry. First, adverse weather conditions had a negative impact on blueberry production. Second, a stronger Argentine peso against the U.S. dollar made these sweet berries less appealing price-wise to international buyers. And let’s not forget about the increasing competition from other major blueberry players, such as Chile, Peru, and Mexico.
Despite these hurdles, the United States, the Netherlands, and China continue to be the primary markets for Argentine blueberries.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. The blueberry sector remains a key contributor to Argentina’s economy and has room for growth. Both domestic and international demand for blueberries is on the rise, so the industry is poised for a potential rebound in the coming years. All in all, it’s a challenging yet hopeful time for Argentina’s blueberry business.
25. China
Blueberry Export Value: $806,260Â
Blueberry Export Quantity: 177.90 thousand metric tons
China’s blueberry industry may be young, but it’s showing signs of quick and promising growth. The climate is just right for these tiny but nutrient-packed berries, and that’s certainly helping local growers. Plus, the Chinese government is getting behind blueberry farmers with various forms of support, adding an extra layer of optimism.
But it’s not just about domestic growth; the international scene looks promising as well. Demand for blueberries is surging in Asia, and that’s creating exciting export opportunities for China.
So while it may be early days for China’s blueberry industry, the signs point to a robust and expanding future, both at home and across Asia.
26. South Africa
Blueberry Export Value: $150.23 Million
Blueberry Export Quantity: 827.44 Thousand Metric Tons
South Africa’s blueberry industry might be the new kid on the block, but it’s growing at a breakneck pace. The country is blessed with a climate that blueberries absolutely love, which is a big boon for farmers. Adding to that, the South African government is throwing its weight behind blueberry cultivation, offering much-needed support to local growers.
But the potential goes beyond South Africa’s borders. There’s a rising tide of blueberry love in Europe and the Middle East, and that spells good news for exports. In other words, the industry isn’t just set to flourish locally; it’s also eyeing international markets for expansion.
In a nutshell, South Africa’s young but booming blueberry industry is on a trajectory that’s worth watching, both at home and abroad.
27 Australia
Blueberry Export Value: $8.08 Million
Blueberry Export Quantity: 384 Tonnes
Though still a fledgling industry, Australia’s blueberry market is sprouting up at an impressive pace. Thanks to the country’s blueberry-friendly climate, growers are finding the environment quite conducive to producing these little superfoods. But Mother Nature isn’t the only one lending a hand; the Australian government is also offering support to help local blueberry farms flourish.
And the story gets even juicier on the international front. There’s a burgeoning appetite for blueberries in Asia, and Australia is well-positioned to fill that demand. Export prospects are looking up, suggesting that the blueberry business down under has a lot of room to grow, both domestically and across Asia.
All in all, Australia’s emerging blueberry industry is one to keep an eye on, as its future seems ripe with opportunity.
28. Costa Rica
Blueberry Export Value: $1.1 Million
Blueberry Export Quantity: 120 Tonnes
Costa Rica’s blueberry industry may be young, but it’s already showing signs of a growth spurt. Thanks to a climate that’s practically tailor-made for blueberry cultivation, growers in the country are thriving. And it’s not just Mother Nature who’s lending a hand; the Costa Rican government is also stepping in to support local blueberry farmers.
But the buzz doesn’t stop at Costa Rica’s borders. There’s a rising craving for these antioxidant-rich berries in both the United States and Europe, creating promising export opportunities. So while the industry is still in its early stages, it’s shaping up to be a major player in both domestic and international markets.
Bottom line? Costa Rica’s burgeoning blueberry industry is one to watch, with a bright future that extends beyond its own sunny shores.
29. Israel
Blueberry Export Value: $10.3 Million
Blueberry Export Quantity: 3,500 Tonnes
Even though Israel’s blueberry exports have taken a bit of a hit recently, the industry is far from down and out. It continues to be a strong pillar in the country’s economy and shows every sign of rallying.
And if you’re wondering where these Israeli blueberries could be headed next, keep an eye on Europe and the Middle East. Demand in these regions is on the rise, setting the stage for potential growth in exports.
So, while there might be some short-term hiccups, the long-term outlook for Israel’s blueberry business looks promising, both at home and in international markets.
30. Ecuador
Blueberry Export Value: $4.1 Million
Blueberry Export Quantity: 5,000 Tonnes
Even though there’s been a dip in the export value, Ecuador’s blueberry industry remains a significant player in the nation’s economy. Experts anticipate that this sector will keep expanding in the near future. This optimism is fueled by the rising demand for blueberries in European and Russian markets.
