Berries have become Mexico's most profitable agricultural product, with blueberries leading the sector. Despite producing smaller volumes than traditional crops, berries generate high export revenue and show a superior benefit-cost ratio, supported by growing demand from the United States and high-income consumers.
Between January and September 2025, Mexico exported 441,000 tons of berries valued at about US$2.44 billion, according to data from the Agri-Food and Fisheries Information Service (SIAP) and the Bank of Mexico. This makes berries the country's second most lucrative agricultural export, behind avocados. Although their volume is lower than that of avocados (919,000 tons) or tomatoes (1.38 million tons), their economic efficiency is much higher.
Tomatoes lead in volume, but not in profitability. While 1.38 million tons of tomatoes generated US$1.95 billion, berries nearly matched this figure with just one-third of the tonnage, reflecting the growing weight of high-value crops in Mexico's export mix.
High benefit-cost ratios drive growth
A study by the Chapingo Autonomous University found that berries outperform most crops in profitability. Blueberries recorded a benefit-cost ratio of 2.82, followed by raspberries at 1.88, strawberries at 1.82, and blackberries at 1.76. By comparison, sugarcane reached 1.5 and corn 1.2. This means that for every peso invested, berry producers earn nearly three, a level comparable only to avocados (1.84).
Demand from export markets
The expansion of the berry industry has been supported by growing consumer demand in the United States, where the fruit is categorized as a "superfood" due to its nutritional and antioxidant value. Mexican strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are now present in premium retail chains in North America, associated with health and freshness.
Production is concentrated in Michoacán, Jalisco, and Baja California, regions that have expanded cultivated areas through modern greenhouse and open-field systems. The sector has generated export revenue, rural employment, and investment in production infrastructure.
Outlook
The rise of berries illustrates how diversification, technology adoption, and targeted export strategies are reshaping Mexican agriculture. As global demand continues to increase, producers face the challenge of maintaining profitability while adopting sustainable farming practices that protect soils and ensure fair labor conditions.
According to specialists, berries now represent "the new face of Mexican agriculture," combining competitiveness, profitability, and international reach.
Source: Blueberries Consulting
