According to many reports, Romans expanded the cultivation of raspberries from Asia and Eastern Europe to the entire European continent; they used it mainly as food and medicine. But this fruit, which has a high demand in the United States, Austria, and Germany, hasn't conquered Argentinian consumers, as per capita consumption in the country only amounts to 15 grams per year (100,000 kilos are eaten fresh and 500,000 are frozen).
Globally, the United States leads raspberry consumption, as it accounts for 20% of global purchases of this fresh fruit. Meanwhile, Austria and Germany each absorb 15%. 90% of world production is frozen for industrial use, mainly for the production of concentrated juices, although it is also used for confectionery, ice cream, etcetera.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, global production, which amounts to nearly 412,000 tons, and global consumption are concentrated in the northern hemisphere. The main producer is Russia, which accounts for 30% of the world supply.
More than 70% of Argentina's raspberry production takes place in Patagonia. The Alto Valley of Rio Negro and Neuquen produce 35% of the raspberries in the country.
Source: lanacion.com.ar
