Market Trends of United States Blueberry Industry
Growing Blueberry Production Support the Market
The United States stands as a leading producer of blueberries, a major agricultural product. Over the past few decades, U.S. blueberry production has surged due to rising domestic demand, favorable growing conditions, and advancements in farming practices. According to the North American Blueberry Council and FAOSTAT, the United States produced 322,595 metric tons of blueberries in 2023, up from 317,150 metric tons in 2022. This growth is supported by varietal breeding initiatives. In 2023, Costa Group developed the world's heaviest blueberry from the Eterna variety, as part of Costa's globally recognized Variety Improvement Program (VIP), which licenses Costa-bred blueberry varieties in regions including the Americas.
Additionally, growing investments in blueberry research and development in the country supported by government organisations also support this growth. For instance, in 2022, Land-grant Universities across the nation, with funding from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), supported blueberry producers through research and outreach to meet the growing consumer demand.
Furthermore, U.S. blueberry farmers have adopted advanced farming techniques to improve yields and manage the challenges of climate change, pests, and diseases. In 2023, the Berry Smart Project, led by US-based innov8.ag, aims to enhance blueberry growers' productivity and profitability through advanced technologies. This initiative employs precision agriculture tools, including sensors, autonomous vehicles, and machine learning algorithms, to collect and analyze data on environmental factors such as soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels. Therefore, varietal development, coupled with research and the adoption of smart agricultural practices, aids market growth.
Rising Usage of Blueberries as Superfoods
In the United States, blueberries are celebrated as a superfood due to their rich content of nutrients, including antioxidants and phytochemicals. The increased health benefits support the regular consumption of blueberries by health-conscious consumers. A 2023 study published in the journal Food Production, Processing, and Nutrition highlighted that Anthocyanins, a type of polyphenol found in blueberries, help prevent cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis. Additionally, according to the US Department of Agriculture, the consumer price index for fresh fruit in the United States grew from 406.3 in 2022 to 409.1 in 2023. This growing price paid by consumers for fresh produce aids the market value of blueberries.
As consumer awareness of health and wellness (HW) food products grows, dietary habits are changing. This trend is evident in the expanding processed foods market, where blueberry-based products are gaining popularity. For instance, in 2024, Naturipe Farms, a major global berry producer and leader in fresh fruit snacks, introduced Berry Buddies which features blueberries. This new addition to their value-added snack line aims to offer an innovative approach to snacking, appealing to both parents and children.
Moreover, the rising demand for fresh blueberries in the ingredient industry also aids market growth. In 2022, Symrise unveiled its extensive Diana foodTM blueberry ingredients and active compounds. Similar to other offerings in its natural ingredients portfolio, these blueberry products boast a range of characteristics and performance advantages. Therefore, the heightened health benefits coupled with the rising demand for blueberries in the processed foods industry are the factors aiding the market growth during the forecast period.
