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Largest Exporters of Blueberries in the World [Top 30 List]

Alex Harsha
Alex HarshaSep 14, 2023, 1:11 AM
Largest Exporters of Blueberries in the World [Top 30 List]

In 2021, Poland achieved an annual blueberry yield of 55,300 tons. These Polish blueberries make their way to diverse destinations, including Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and several other European countries.

8. Canada

Blueberry Export Value: $99,812,000

Blueberry Export Quantity: 25,597 tons

Canada stands as the world’s third-largest blueberry producer, boasting an impressive annual harvest of 146,551 tons in 2021. Despite this substantial production, Canada remained a net importer, bringing in over 45,000 tons from other sources. The export market for Canadian blueberries is robust, and the nation’s renown for delivering top-quality blueberries has played a pivotal role in its success.

9. New Zealand

Blueberry Export Value: $48,332,000

Blueberry Export Quantity: 2,860 tons

New Zealand boasts self-sufficiency in its blueberry production, yielding a substantial 3,680 tons in 2021 and importing just a minimal quantity of one ton. These New Zealand blueberries find their way to various corners of the globe, including Australia, China, the United States, Japan, and Europe. Typically, New Zealand’s blueberry harvest season spans from November to March.

10. Germany

Blueberry Export Value: $38,240,000

Blueberry Export Quantity: 5,778 tons

Germany, renowned for its robust agricultural sector and sizable consumer market, secured the ninth spot among the world’s blueberry producers in 2021, with an output totaling 15,640 tons. However, owing to the increasing demand for blueberries within the country, Germany found itself as a net importer, bringing in a substantial 35,628 tons of blueberries. These imports primarily originate from Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, and Chile.

11. Portugal

Blueberry Export Value: $38,008,000

Blueberry Export Quantity: 5,642 tons

Portugal joins the ranks of net blueberry exporters on our list, with net exports totaling $29.92 million in 2021. Portuguese blueberries find their way to various markets, including other European countries.

12. France

Blueberry Export Value: $36,236,000

Blueberry Export Quantity: 4,375 tons

France, according to data from the FAO, ranks as the 12th largest blueberry producer globally. Blueberries thrive in regions such as Brittany, Pays de la Loire, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. However, despite yielding an annual harvest of 7,916 tons in 2021, France remained a net importer, bringing in over 8,800 tons of blueberries from other sources.

13. Italy

Blueberry Export Value: $23,442,000

Blueberry Export Quantity: 2,775 tons

Italy, celebrated for its abundant agricultural traditions, has witnessed a growing affinity for blueberries within its borders. According to the FAO, Italy stands as the world’s 10th largest blueberry producer, boasting an annual yield of 8,750 tons in 2021. These delightful berries thrive in regions like Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna.

14. Romania

Blueberry Export Value: $14,580,000

Blueberry Export Quantity: 2,323 tons

Romania finds itself among the seven net exporters of blueberries on our list. While the country exports its own blueberries to various European destinations, it also engages in imports from nations with more extensive blueberry industries, such as Poland, the Netherlands, and other European producers. Romanian blueberries make their way to a range of European markets, spanning neighboring countries to those in Western Europe.

15. Austria

Blueberry Export Value: $9,583,000

Blueberry Export Quantity: 1,153 tons

Austria ranked 12th globally in terms of blueberry trade value, with an import expenditure totaling $57.34 million in 2021. This heightened import activity can be attributed to Austria’s substantial appetite for blueberries, where local demand consistently outpaces domestic production.

16. Latvia

Blueberry Export Value: $8,091,000

Blueberry Export Quantity: 1,716 tons

Latvia boasts a flourishing blueberry industry, buoyed by its favorable climate and natural conditions that foster blueberry cultivation. However, despite this thriving domestic production, the country remains a net importer of blueberries, with an import expenditure amounting to $13.45 million in 2021.

17. Sweden

Blueberry Export Value: $5,411,000

Blueberry Export Quantity: 1,893 tons

Sweden plays a substantial role in the blueberry industry, contributing to production, consumption, import, and export activities. Notably, there’s a rising trend in cultivated blueberry production within Sweden. In 2021, the country achieved a production milestone of 60,065 tons of blueberries, solidifying its position as the 16th largest producer on a global scale.

18. Belgium

Blueberry Export Value: $2,660,000

Blueberry Export Quantity: 482 tons

Belgium earns its place on the list of the world’s top blueberry exporters, showcasing a noteworthy volume of blueberry exports. This surge in blueberry trade aligns with the growing popularity of blueberries in Belgian culinary endeavors.

19. Estonia

Blueberry Export Value: $1,619,000

Blueberry Export Quantity: 240 tons

Estonia benefits from favorable climatic conditions that are conducive to blueberry cultivation, attracting numerous farms and producers to engage in blueberry production. The primary focus of Estonia’s blueberry production centers on meeting domestic market demands, with a fraction also earmarked for export to neighboring nations. In 2021, exports accounted for 12% of Estonia’s overall blueberry trade. Conversely, the country imported blueberries worth $11.84 million during the same year.

20. Romania

Blueberry Export Value: 22,800,000

Blueberry Export Quantity: 2,323 tons

Romania’s blueberry market is on an upswing, with the industry poised for growth in the coming years. The country has been successfully exporting its blueberries mainly to Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Hungary. Market forecasts predict that by 2025, the export value could hit an impressive $27.6 million.

Even though the industry faces some challenges, Romania seems to be in a sweet spot for blueberry cultivation. The country’s favorable conditions are part of the reason the export market is expected to continue its upward trajectory. Demand from Western Europe for this healthful fruit shows no signs of slowing down, further boosting the prospects for Romanian blueberry exporters.

21. Czech Republic

Blueberry Export Value: $1,101,000

Blueberry Export Quantity: 120 tons

The Czech Republic has experienced a remarkable surge in blueberry production and exports in recent years, earning it a spot among the world’s top 20 blueberry exporters. In a significant move in spring 2018, the country imported 200,000 one-year-old blueberry plants from the Netherlands and cultivated them across a sprawling 47-hectare area.

Despite this impressive growth in blueberry production, exports accounted for only a modest 5% of the country’s total blueberry trade in 2021.

22. Chile

Blueberry Export Value: $444.22 Million

Blueberry Export Quantity: 105.43 Thousand Metric Tons

The United States takes the lead as the biggest importer of Chilean blueberries, with the Netherlands and China trailing closely behind. In 2022, these three nations were the top destinations for Chile’s blueberry exports.

Even though there’s been a dip in the export value recently, don’t count the Chilean blueberry industry out. It remains a vital part of the nation’s economy and is expected to bounce back in the years ahead. Both local and international appetite for blueberries is on the rise, setting the stage for future growth.

So, despite some bumps in the road, the outlook for Chile’s blueberry industry remains optimistic, making it a key player in both the country’s economy and the global blueberry market.

23. Turkey

Blueberry Export Value: $1.34 Million

Blueberry Export Quantity: 269.74 thousand Metric Tons

Turkey’s blueberry industry may be in its infancy, but it’s making strides at an impressive pace. Thanks to the country’s climate, which is ideal for cultivating blueberries, the sector is seeing rapid growth. On top of that, the Turkish government is lending a helping hand to blueberry farmers, fueling optimism for the industry’s future.

And there’s more good news on the horizon. The European market’s appetite for blueberries is growing, which bodes well for Turkey’s export prospects. All in all, the Turkish blueberry industry is one to watch, as it’s not just flourishing domestically but is also poised for a boost in exports in the coming years.

24. Argentina

Blueberry Export Value: $16.2 Million

Blueberry Export Quantity: 15.57 Thousand Metric Tons

In 2022, Argentina’s blueberry exports hit some bumps in the road. According to Tridge, the country saw its blueberry export value drop by a steep 40% to $16.2 million. The quantity of blueberries exported wasn’t immune to the downturn either, dipping by 10% to 15.57 thousand metric tons. So what’s going on?

Well, several challenges have shaken up the industry. First, adverse weather conditions had a negative impact on blueberry production. Second, a stronger Argentine peso against the U.S. dollar made these sweet berries less appealing price-wise to international buyers. And let’s not forget about the increasing competition from other major blueberry players, such as Chile, Peru, and Mexico.

Despite these hurdles, the United States, the Netherlands, and China continue to be the primary markets for Argentine blueberries.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. The blueberry sector remains a key contributor to Argentina’s economy and has room for growth. Both domestic and international demand for blueberries is on the rise, so the industry is poised for a potential rebound in the coming years. All in all, it’s a challenging yet hopeful time for Argentina’s blueberry business.

25. China

Blueberry Export Value: $806,260 

Blueberry Export Quantity: 177.90 thousand metric tons

China’s blueberry industry may be young, but it’s showing signs of quick and promising growth. The climate is just right for these tiny but nutrient-packed berries, and that’s certainly helping local growers. Plus, the Chinese government is getting behind blueberry farmers with various forms of support, adding an extra layer of optimism.

But it’s not just about domestic growth; the international scene looks promising as well. Demand for blueberries is surging in Asia, and that’s creating exciting export opportunities for China.

So while it may be early days for China’s blueberry industry, the signs point to a robust and expanding future, both at home and across Asia.

26. South Africa

Blueberry Export Value: $150.23 Million

Blueberry Export Quantity: 827.44 Thousand Metric Tons

South Africa’s blueberry industry might be the new kid on the block, but it’s growing at a breakneck pace. The country is blessed with a climate that blueberries absolutely love, which is a big boon for farmers. Adding to that, the South African government is throwing its weight behind blueberry cultivation, offering much-needed support to local growers.

But the potential goes beyond South Africa’s borders. There’s a rising tide of blueberry love in Europe and the Middle East, and that spells good news for exports. In other words, the industry isn’t just set to flourish locally; it’s also eyeing international markets for expansion.

In a nutshell, South Africa’s young but booming blueberry industry is on a trajectory that’s worth watching, both at home and abroad.

27 Australia

Blueberry Export Value: $8.08 Million

Blueberry Export Quantity: 384 Tonnes

Though still a fledgling industry, Australia’s blueberry market is sprouting up at an impressive pace. Thanks to the country’s blueberry-friendly climate, growers are finding the environment quite conducive to producing these little superfoods. But Mother Nature isn’t the only one lending a hand; the Australian government is also offering support to help local blueberry farms flourish.

And the story gets even juicier on the international front. There’s a burgeoning appetite for blueberries in Asia, and Australia is well-positioned to fill that demand. Export prospects are looking up, suggesting that the blueberry business down under has a lot of room to grow, both domestically and across Asia.

All in all, Australia’s emerging blueberry industry is one to keep an eye on, as its future seems ripe with opportunity.

28. Costa Rica

Blueberry Export Value: $1.1 Million

Blueberry Export Quantity: 120 Tonnes

Costa Rica’s blueberry industry may be young, but it’s already showing signs of a growth spurt. Thanks to a climate that’s practically tailor-made for blueberry cultivation, growers in the country are thriving. And it’s not just Mother Nature who’s lending a hand; the Costa Rican government is also stepping in to support local blueberry farmers.

But the buzz doesn’t stop at Costa Rica’s borders. There’s a rising craving for these antioxidant-rich berries in both the United States and Europe, creating promising export opportunities. So while the industry is still in its early stages, it’s shaping up to be a major player in both domestic and international markets.

Bottom line? Costa Rica’s burgeoning blueberry industry is one to watch, with a bright future that extends beyond its own sunny shores.

29. Israel

Blueberry Export Value: $10.3 Million

Blueberry Export Quantity: 3,500 Tonnes

Even though Israel’s blueberry exports have taken a bit of a hit recently, the industry is far from down and out. It continues to be a strong pillar in the country’s economy and shows every sign of rallying.

And if you’re wondering where these Israeli blueberries could be headed next, keep an eye on Europe and the Middle East. Demand in these regions is on the rise, setting the stage for potential growth in exports.

So, while there might be some short-term hiccups, the long-term outlook for Israel’s blueberry business looks promising, both at home and in international markets.

30. Ecuador

Blueberry Export Value: $4.1 Million

Blueberry Export Quantity: 5,000 Tonnes

Even though there’s been a dip in the export value, Ecuador’s blueberry industry remains a significant player in the nation’s economy. Experts anticipate that this sector will keep expanding in the near future. This optimism is fueled by the rising demand for blueberries in European and Russian markets.

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    Alex Harsha
    Alex Harsha

    Alex Harsha is a full-time writer.Before becoming a full-time writer, Alex was a public school teacher. He teaches writing workshops to children and adults. Lives in Connecticut & Works on next novel.

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