Blueberries grown in Poland originate from species native to North America, which have adapted well to local conditions with professional cultivation practices. Industrial blueberry production in Poland has grown steadily since 2011, when it was around 13,000 tons. By 2024, production surpassed 60,000 tons, positioning Poland among the leading blueberry producers in Europe and globally.
Between 2018 and 2022, the cultivated area doubled from 5,800 hectares to about 11,900 hectares. By 2024, it had reached nearly 13,000 hectares, although recent growth has slowed, with emphasis shifting from area expansion to varietal improvement.
Roughly 30% of Poland's blueberry production is exported, mainly to Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. In 2024, exports rose 17% to almost 26,000 tons, while re-exports from Ukraine declined, indicating a shift toward domestic consumption and processing. At the same time, domestic demand is growing, and Poland has begun importing blueberries out of season from Spain, Peru, and South Africa, resulting in a trade deficit of about €6.4 million (US$6.9 million) in 2022/23. Production is expected to plateau by 2030 at around 70,000 tons, depending on yield and management efficiency.
The Polish blueberry sector is working to develop new varieties of higher quality and ready-to-eat packaging formats, aimed at accessing higher-value market segments. This varietal development also supports firmer fruit, greater yields, and improved mechanization of production, harvesting, and shipping processes, addressing labor cost pressures.
Beyond Europe, there is growing interest in reaching markets in the Middle East, Asia, and Israel, though commercial presence in these regions is still limited.
Average yields remain low at 5.7 tons per hectare, compared with the global average of 8.9 tons per hectare. The industry is investing in technical knowledge and management improvements to close this gap. Sector fragmentation is another challenge, as many farms are small, averaging just 1.4 hectares, limiting investment, industrialization, and coordination.
Competition from South American and Ukrainian producers is also increasing, as both regions improve costs and quality. Exporters in Poland remain highly dependent on the short July–August window, which restricts competitiveness.
Poland's blueberry sector has built a strong base with stable European demand and rising domestic consumption. However, future growth depends on improving yields through genetic and agronomic practices, consolidating producer groups to invest in mechanization and pack houses, diversifying exports to new markets, and adapting from a seasonal export model to one that combines domestic consumption with specialized international niches.
Source: Blueberries Consulting
