W6 Blueberry Update: China Leads Blueberry Market, US Pay Highest Prices for Peruvian Berries, and Chile Expects 8.5% YoY Export Dip

Published Feb 22, 2024

In W6 in the blueberry landscape, China is leading the global blueberry market with large-scale production. In 2022, they harvested 525 thousand mt across 77.64 thousand ha, mainly in Yunnan province, focusing on varieties like L25, F6, Duke, and Draper. Per capita consumption remains low at 0.26 kg, with prices ranging from USD 15 to 22/kg. On the other hand, Peru experienced a 25% YoY drop in exports in 2023 because of El Niño, causing international prices to rise. The US paid the highest price for blueberries at USD 8.28/kg, followed by China and Europe. Lastly, Chile expects an 8.5% YoY decrease in 2023/24 exports due to challenges like weather and concentrated shipment periods. It anticipates a prolonged season and more exports compared to 2022.

China's Dominance Grows in Global Blueberry Market

China emerges as a dominant force in the global blueberry market, boasting vast production spanning tropical to temperate climates. Despite its scale often remaining concealed due to the state policy of closure, the country's prominence is explained by berry specialists. In 2022, China yielded a staggering 525 thousand metric tons (mt) of blueberries across 77.64 thousand hectares (ha), with key varieties including L25, F6, Duke, and Draper. Yunnan province stands out as a pivotal production hub, witnessing a tripled production volume in the area over the last five years. A berry specialist in China anticipates even further expansion, particularly in 2022. Production techniques vary, with Yunnan favoring high tunnels and substrate cultivation while other regions opt for open fields. Despite robust production, China's per capita blueberry consumption remains modest at 0.26 kilogram (kg), with wholesale prices ranging from USD 15 to 22/kg.

US Market Offers Top Prices for Peruvian Blueberries in 2023

In 2023, Peru faced a 25% year-on-year (YoY) drop in fresh blueberry exports compared to 2022, primarily due to the El Niño phenomenon causing a delayed peak season from Oct-23 to Nov-23. An international trade manager highlights the commercial impact, noting the scarcity driving up prices in international markets during the 2023-24 season. The United States (US) led in paying the highest prices for Peruvian blueberries at an average of USD 8.28/kg, followed by China at USD 7.80/kg, and Europe at USD 7.40/kg, based on free on board (FOB) Peru terms.

Chile Forecasts 8.5% Dip in Blueberry Exports for 2023/24 Season Amid Challenges

The executive director of the Chilean Blueberry Committee of Frutas de Chile projects 80 thousand mt for 2023/24 blueberry exports, an 8.5% YoY decrease. The season faces challenges like unpredictable weather and concentrated shipment periods. Despite a 16% YoY decline in exports in W3 of 2024, markets like Asia, the US, and Europe remain prominent, showing fluctuations in demand. Chile anticipates a prolonged season, facilitating more blueberry exports compared to 2022.