The 2025 Facility Blueberry Industry Chain Integration and Development Exchange Conference was successfully held in Kunming, Yunnan, China, on March 1st and 2nd. The two-day event attracted university researchers, industry experts, growers, and international companies.
Since 2021, China has become the world's largest blueberry producer, surpassing the United States in total cultivation area. According to official data, China's total blueberry harvest in 2024 reached 780,000 tons, marking a 197% increase compared to 2020. The estimated total blueberry cultivation area in China is 78,000 hectares, compared to approximately 48,000 hectares in the United States and 22,000 hectares in Peru. Given these figures, there is strong reason to believe that Asia will become the most promising region for blueberry production.
Gabriel Figueroa Villanueva, CEO, Shanghai Fruitful International Trade Co., Ltd., highlighted the close cooperation between China and Peru. He emphasized that Peru should leverage its seasonal supply advantage to provide premium-quality blueberries to China and capitalize on peak demand periods. He also noted that logistics optimization is essential to reducing costs and transit times.
Henk from Fall Creek discussed the key breeding priorities for blueberries, including sweetness, ease of harvesting, strong resistance to diseases, and high-temperature tolerance. He acknowledged Yunnan's status as a key horticultural production region with favorable climatic conditions but pointed out the challenge of water shortages.
Miguel Sequeira from Berryplant introduced innovations in raspberry cultivation. Although raspberry production in China is currently limited, there is growing interest in the crop, and some farms have already started cultivation, seeing its potential.
Another noteworthy topic discussed at the conference was processed blueberries. With increasing berry production, processed products such as jams, frozen fruit, and juices are emerging as new opportunities for the industry.
See a photo impression below:
