The International Blueberry Organization (IBO) has published its 2025 report, forecasting continued growth in the global blueberry industry while noting challenges related to trade, environment, and labor.
IBO president Mario Steta said that business risks have increased. "There are very significant changes in one area: business risks, and a greater need to address environmental and labor challenges." He pointed to government policies and trade measures that are reshaping global commerce. "The implementation of tariffs is affecting many economic sectors, including food chains and food production. While blueberries are a very small component in the context of global trade, we are probably the best example of an agricultural product with a global reach, with all that this entails. Therefore, given the recent uncertainty that is likely to persist in the coming months, it is important that, as an industry organization, we analyze not only how we respond to potential problems and consequences, but also how we find ways to use these changes to our benefit and that of our consumers," he said.
The report projects that global blueberry production, fresh and processed, will exceed 3.18 million tons by 2028. Growth since 2005 is expected to accelerate further due to expanding acreage and improving yields.
Production in the Americas is forecast to surpass 1.48 million tons by 2028, led by the United States, Peru, and other Latin American suppliers. Peru is highlighted as the main driver of growth, with production projected to exceed 658,000 tons by 2028. Chile is also expected to increase volumes as new plantations mature, while North America's production could exceed 485,000 tons by 2028, supported by the western U.S. and Canada. Mexico and Central America are showing slower expansion, but will contribute to the regional supply.
In the Asia-Pacific region, production is expected to reach over 1.19 million tons by 2028, with China as the main contributor. "China's growth has been driven by the rapid increase in cultivated area, and this expansion is expected to continue steadily over the coming years," Steta said. However, he cautioned that volumes could be overestimated given land-use restrictions and other barriers.
For Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, production is projected to nearly double compared to 2020 levels, reaching over 528,000 tons by 2028. Morocco, Spain, and Eastern Europe are noted as the main contributors to this growth.
On the import side, the United States led in 2024 with 305 tons, followed by the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, and China. With tariffs announced by the U.S. government, Steta called for attention, saying that opening new markets and developing strategies to mitigate the impact will be important in the coming months.
Source: Blueberries Consulting
