Mexico has emerged as a primary exporter of blueberries, predominantly serving the U.S. and Canadian markets. In 2022, Mexico's fresh blueberry exports reached 71,509 metric tons, a slight decrease of 2% from the previous year. By 2023, production was estimated at 74,800 MT, marking a 12% year-on-year increase due to new plantings and production innovations. Projections for 2024 suggest production will reach 81,000 MT, though growth is slowing as Mexico faces competition from Peru, particularly during the winter months when Peruvian exports have impacted Mexico's traditional market window.
Approximately 97% of Mexico's blueberry exports are destined for the United States, facilitated by geographic proximity and favorable trade agreements like USMCA/NAFTA. The ability to deliver fresh blueberries quickly to U.S. markets provides Mexico with a competitive edge. Although Mexican exporters have explored other markets, the U.S. remains the primary buyer, with per capita consumption on the rise. Mexico also imports about 20,000 MT of blueberries during the winter, likely from Peru or Chile, indicating its role as both exporter and redistribution point.
Mexico's climate and production systems, including protected cultivation and substrate growing, support continuous cropping in regions like the central Mexican highlands and Baja. Despite challenges such as drought, investments in these systems have allowed for moderate production growth. By the end of the decade, Mexico's annual production could reach 90,000–100,000 MT, with exports potentially between 70–80k MT, depending on domestic consumption growth.
In Europe, Spain, particularly Huelva in Andalusia, stands as a leading blueberry producer. As of 2024, Huelva's blueberry acreage expanded to 3,744 hectares, a 4% increase from the previous year. Spanish production has been around 60,000+ tons annually, with further growth anticipated. Huelva achieved a record €1.1 billion in berry exports in early 2024, though prices have been pressured due to increased volume.
Spain's harvest runs from late winter to spring, with varietal diversification enabling earlier harvesting. However, competition from Morocco, Portugal, and southern Italy has intensified, particularly in spring, affecting market dynamics. To remain competitive, Spanish producers focus on quality and season extension, employing new cultivars and exploring evergreen production techniques. Europe is the primary market for Spanish blueberries, with Germany and the UK as top importers. Recent approval for exports to China opens new opportunities.
Spain aims to maintain its position as Europe's leading producer, though growth may moderate due to land and water constraints and rising input costs. The focus will be on efficiency and cost control, with mechanized harvesting and other innovations being tested to address labor shortages. Despite economic challenges, blueberry consumption in Europe is growing, positioning Spanish growers to meet demand at competitive prices.
Source: EastFruit