Initiated in 2020, the cultivation of blueberries in Brittany by Prince de Bretagne producers is entering a new phase of development. From the second half of July, the first tubs of blueberries will be appearing on the shelves, to the delight of consumers looking for tasty, fresh, and local products. With a booming production, new investments, and a growing range, the blueberry from Brittany is establishing itself as a sustainable alternative to imports.
© Prince de Bretagne / Cerafel
Growing volumes
After an initial harvest of 6 tons in 2023, Breton producers now forecast a volume of 20 tons for the 2025 season. Today, there are 6 growers embarked on this adventure, who will be joined by two new growers who are learning the crop and who will start production by 2027. In total, blueberries are currently grown on 3 hectares between the Côte d'Armor and Finistère departments. "For producers used to growing vegetables, starting out in arboriculture is a real learning curve. It is also a longer-term commitment, given that blueberry orchards do not bear fruit until the 4th year, with full production in the 8th. So we are in an ascending phase in terms of volumes," explains Camille Aguer, red fruit product manager at Prince de Bretagne.
A launch supported by experts and experimentation stations
The rapid rise in volume was also made possible thanks to a significant number of growers, who have been convinced by a secure launch. "We have been supported by the C.A.T.E. experimentation station, which has carried out growing trials at Saint-Pol-de-Léon in order to provide the best advice to growers in terms of growing techniques, irrigation, harvesting, and choice of varieties. We were also accompanied by a technician who is a blueberry expert, and we benefited from his sound advice."
A desire to innovate and expand an existing range of soft fruit
While tree growing contrasts with the vegetable production carried out by Prince de Bretagne, it also embodies a desire to innovate. "Among the 147 fruits and vegetables we grow in Brittany, we have been growing strawberries for about twenty years. We then started growing raspberries. Turning to blueberries seemed like the next logical step in developing our red fruit range. It is also a range that benefits from a dynamic, modern image, in contrast with Prince de Bretagne's flagship vegetables such as cauliflowers and artichokes, which still find it hard to attract young consumers."
A fast-growing blueberry market
This development also makes sense in the face of a fast-growing market. "Blueberry consumption has risen by 20% in 5 years (source: CTIFL 2024), while in-store promotion of the French origin jumped by 24% in 2024. (Source: A3 Distrib - P10 2024). In terms of demand, in April 2025 alone, sales increased by 22% compared to 2024. French blueberries clearly have their place in a market that is currently dominated by imports from countries such as Peru, Chile, Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. The various retail chains are launching their own brands and offering more and more French blueberries. The Brittany origin also enables us to establish our blueberries locally, thanks to a local offer that guarantees optimum freshness. Over the next few years, as production increases, we will expand our sales area."
Structuring investments to move upmarket
To support this development, Prince de Bretagne is investing in production facilities at its Kerannou site, near Saint-Pol-de-Léon in the Finistère department. A dedicated tray-packing line has been installed. It will be upgraded next year to offer new formats and grammages over 125g to complement the current range. "The idea is really to expand the range over the medium to long term. At the start, we only offered our blueberries in bulk, now in 125g, and in 2026, we will be offering them in even more formats to meet all consumer needs."
For more information:
Camille Aguer
Prince de Bretagne
Phone: + 33 (0)2 98 69 38 91
[email protected]
www.princedebretagne.com
