Rabobank, a leading agricultural bank, said foreign exports of fresh blueberries will expand steadily throughout the coming decade as international growing regions continue to expand.
According to Rabobank report, blueberry producing companies are “pushed to be more productive and more efficient and to consistently provide high-quality fruit.”
Cultivars that produce higher quality fruits and vegetables are expected to play a more significant role in the U.S. and other growing regions. In addition to Asia-Pacific, South America, Africa, and Europe are experiencing rapid growth as well.
“We expect global exports in 2025/26 to reach close to 900,000 tonnes, with over 70 per cent coming from the top-five exporting countries: Peru, Chile, Canada, Mexico, and Spain/Morocco, according to Rabobank’s senior analyst, David Magana.
During the past decade, blueberry exports have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11 per cent.
There has been a boom in international shipments in the last decade, driven by what Rabobank describes as “the rising production of new actors in the industry, such as Peru, Mexico, Morocco, South Africa, and China, which complements the existing supply from the US, Chile, Argentina, and local supply from Europe.”
Peru has become the top international exporter of fresh blueberries since this season, and Chile now holds the second-largest position.
“Both Chile and Peru have outstanding market access, with tariff-free access to China, Europe, and the US. These countries are well-positioned to benefit from expanding global demand,” Gonzalo Salinas, senior analyst – fresh produces at Rabobank in South America, explained the situation.
Blueberries are still primarily consumed by the US and Canada combined, but Europe is now the largest source of growth in demand. Due to the growth of its local and imported supply, China leads the blueberry consumption in Asia. Rather than being centered in North America, demand is now diversified around the world.
