Where are Blueberries Produced? Complete Guide to Blueberry Producers & Regions [2026]

Agrilinkage
1 day ago
15 min read

The Global Blueberry Map: How Geography Shapes Quality, Price and Flavor.

By the AgriLinkage Research Team | Last Updated: February 4, 2026

Key Takeaways

China overtook the United States in 2021 to become the world's largest blueberry producer, reaching 780,000 to 957,000 tons in 2024-2025, primarily for domestic consumption
Peru leads global exports with 325,559 tons exported in 2024 valued at $2.27 billion, achieving unprecedented yields of 19 tons per hectare
The United States remains a major producer at 358,000 tons in 2024, with Washington, Oregon, and Georgia accounting for two-thirds of production
Climate and terroir create distinct flavor profiles, with Mediterranean regions producing higher polyphenol content than hotter, more arid zones
Global production reached approximately 2.05 million tons in 2024, up from 1.78 million tons in 2023, with the Asia-Pacific region emerging as the fastest-growing area
Morocco has surged to become the fourth-largest blueberry exporter globally, with 74,000 tons exported in 2024
Counter-seasonal production from Southern Hemisphere countries allows year-round availability, with Peru, Chile, and South Africa filling Northern Hemisphere off-seasons
Varietal innovation drives quality improvements, with Peru's shift from Biloxi to Ventura, Sekoya Pop, and other premium varieties transforming market expectations

Global Blueberry Production Comparison

Country/Region	2024 Production (tons)	% of Global Production	Quality Characteristics	Price Point	Unique Advantage
China	780,000-957,000	32-48%	Improving sweetness; Yunnan varieties show premium quality	Low-Medium	Year-round production; massive domestic market; 30% from Yunnan Province
Peru	325,559 (exports)	~18% export share	Excellent firmness, large caliber, extended shelf life	Premium	Counter-seasonal advantage; 19 tons/hectare yield; 11% organic
United States	358,000	16%	Diverse varieties; wild lowbush (Maine) vs cultivated highbush	Medium-High	Regional diversity; wild blueberries with intense flavor
Chile	90,000+ (fresh exports)	~5%	Traditional flavor profile; improving with varietal renewal	Medium	Early season advantage; 50% increase in new varieties
Canada	165,608	~9%	Wild blueberries with intense sweetness and antioxidants	Medium-High	Wild blueberry dominance (61% wild); cold-hardy varieties
Spain (Huelva)	66,600	~4%	High polyphenol content; extended season (Jan-Sept)	Premium	European proximity; 75.3% integrated production; 19.2% organic
Morocco	74,000-80,000	~4%	Excellent firmness, superior taste in ideal terroir	Medium-High	Strategic timing (Jan-May); rapid expansion; proximity to Europe
Mexico	73,500-81,000	~4%	High quality under protected cultivation	Medium	USMCA tariff-free access; proximity to US market

Where does that sweet, antioxidant-rich blueberry in your morning smoothie actually come from? The answer reveals a fascinating global story of climate adaptation, agricultural innovation, and strategic trade timing. China now produces 780,000 to 957,000 tons annually, primarily for its booming domestic market, while Peru dominates exports with over 325,000 tons shipped worldwide in 2024. The United States, Canada, Chile, Spain, Morocco, and Mexico round out the top producers, each leveraging unique geographic and climatic advantages. Understanding these differences matters whether you're sourcing for retail, seeking specific quality attributes, or simply curious about your food's journey to your table.

China: The Rapid Rise to Production Dominance

In just two decades, China has transformed from a minor player to the world's largest blueberry producer since 2021, with production reaching between 780,000 and 957,000 tons in the 2024-2025 season. This explosive growth stems from massive domestic demand and favorable growing conditions, particularly in Yunnan Province.

Geography & Climate: Yunnan's Unique Advantage

Yunnan Province alone contributes 30% of China's national output, producing approximately 171,000 tons from 16,660 hectares in 2024. The province's elevation, abundant sunlight, and significant day-night temperature variations create optimal conditions for blueberry cultivation. He Jiawei, head of the Institute of Alpine Economic and Botany at Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science, describes Yunnan as a natural habitat for blueberries, hosting 46 wild blueberry species, more than half of China's total.

The region's early harvest season, running from November to April, coincides with lower global supply periods, allowing Chinese producers to command premium prices. Meanwhile, production has expanded to 27 of China's 34 provinces, spanning from tropical Hainan in the south to the harsh northern climates where Siberian tigers roam.

Production Scale & Market Focus

China's cultivation area has exploded from 77,000 hectares yielding 525,000 tons in 2022 to 110,000 hectares producing up to 957,000 tons by 2025. However, unlike Peru or Chile, the vast majority of Chinese production serves the domestic market. Per capita consumption reached 0.26 kilograms in 2024, approximately one-tenth of U.S. levels, but demand is growing at an impressive 40% annually.

Quality Characteristics & Export Potential

Early Chinese blueberries faced quality challenges, but recent seasons have shown significant improvements in taste and firmness, particularly from Yunnan producers. The sector produces both fresh fruit (49%) and processing-grade berries (51%).

Chinese exports, while still modest, are accelerating rapidly. Exports reached 2,592 tons in 2024, a 156% increase over the previous year, with primary destinations including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Kunming Customs supervised 1,425 tons of blueberry exports from Mengzi alone, accounting for over half of China's total blueberry exports.

Peru: Export Champion with Record-Breaking Yields

Peru has emerged as the undisputed king of blueberry exports, shipping 325,559 tons valued at $2.27 billion in the 2024 campaign, representing a 57.7% increase in volume over 2023. What began with just 30 tons in 2010 has transformed into the first agricultural product in Peruvian history to surpass $2 billion in export value.

Geography & Climate: Year-Round Production Advantage

Peru's coastal regions benefit from a unique microclimate that enables year-round cultivation, though production concentrates heavily in the second half of the year. La Libertad, Lambayeque, and Ica together account for 85% of national production. La Libertad alone represents 50% of hectares dedicated to the dominant Ventura variety.

The coastal climate provides ideal temperature ranges, deep alluvial soils, and access to technified irrigation systems. Crucially, Peru's counter-seasonal advantage allows it to fill market gaps between September and November when Northern Hemisphere production declines.

Production Scale & Unprecedented Yields

Peru currently cultivates more than 22,000 hectares and has achieved what industry experts call extraordinary productivity. The country's average yield of 19 tons per hectare far exceeds the global average, significantly outpacing the United States' 8 tons per hectare.

Major producers include Camposol S.A., which commercialized 42,570 tons of fruit in Q1 2025, showing a 51% increase. Hortifrut Peru SAC continues expanding its presence in premium markets, while Complejo Agroindustrial Beta S.A., Agrovision Peru SAC, and Agricola Cerro Prieto S.A. represent the innovative companies driving Peru's blueberry revolution.

Quality Characteristics: Varietal Revolution

Peru's quality transformation stems from aggressive varietal renewal. In 2016, Biloxi dominated with 58% of certified hectares. By 2025, this fell to just 16%, while Ventura leads with 26%, followed by Sekoya Pop at 14%. These new genetics deliver larger caliber fruit, better firmness, extended shelf life, and superior flavor.

Organic production represents 11% of exports, with projected volumes of 40,000 tons. The United States receives 55.4% of Peruvian blueberries, followed by the Netherlands and emerging Asian markets.

Certifications & Standards

Peruvian producers have embraced international certifications including GlobalG.A.P., GRASP, and various organic certifications. The sector generates over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs, transforming rural economies across coastal regions.

United States: Diverse Regions, Diverse Berries

The United States produced 358,000 tons of blueberries in 2024, maintaining its position as a major global producer despite being surpassed by China. What distinguishes American production is extraordinary regional diversity, spanning 38 states across four primary geographic regions.

Geography & Climate: From Maine to California

The Pacific Northwest, South, Midwest, and Northeast each contribute unique blueberry varieties adapted to local conditions. Washington leads production with 207 million pounds in 2024, up 49% from 2023, though only about 25% goes to fresh markets. Oregon produced 165 million pounds, with approximately 55% destined for fresh consumption.

Georgia has emerged as a Southern powerhouse, reaching 43,998 metric tons in 2023, with 81.4% sold fresh. The state benefits from an earlier season window (June-August) that allows premium pricing before peak production hits.

Michigan produced 36,287 metric tons, with 56.3% going fresh. The state once dominated U.S. production but has faced increasing competition from Peru during overlapping harvest windows.

Wild vs. Cultivated: A Unique Distinction

Maine produces virtually 100% of America's wild (lowbush) blueberries, reaching 90.8 million pounds valued at $49.3 million in 2024. These wild berries, native to the region, offer intense sweetness and higher antioxidant content compared to cultivated varieties. They cannot be planted, instead managed on natural berry fields called barrens.

Quality Characteristics & Market Segmentation

American blueberries range from small, intensely flavored wild berries to large, firm highbush varieties bred for shelf life and appearance. About 55% of cultivated blueberries go to fresh markets, with the remainder processed for freezing, baking, or juice.

Major U.S. producers serving both domestic and export markets include Driscoll's, a 150-year-old berry industry leader generating $5 billion in annual sales and serving 350 million consumers worldwide, and Naturipe Farms, which coordinates production across multiple growing regions to provide year-round supply.

Chile: Tradition Meets Innovation

Chile's blueberry sector closed the 2024-2025 season with over 90,000 tons of fresh exports, representing a 5% increase over the previous season and breaking a downward trend. More significantly, this growth was driven by a 50% increase in new varieties, which now account for 21% of total exports.

Geography & Climate: Counter-Seasonal Advantage

Chilean production spans from the Maule region south to Los Lagos, with ideal Mediterranean to temperate climates supporting extended harvest seasons from December through March. This counter-seasonal timing allows Chile to supply Northern Hemisphere markets during their off-season, historically commanding premium prices.

However, Chile now faces intensified competition. Peru's normalization after El Niño impacts means both countries compete during overlapping windows, placing pressure on Chilean producers to differentiate through quality and varietal innovation.

Production Scale & Varietal Renewal

Chile cultivates blueberries across approximately 14,500 hectares. The sector has pivoted aggressively toward new Fall Creek Collection varieties including ArabellaBlue, LoretoBlue, and LunaBlue, which offer improved flavor, firmness, and consumer appeal.

About 40 hectares of Collection varieties were planted in 2023, with projections suggesting 100 hectares total by 2024. This transition demonstrates the industry's recognition that quality and genetics drive market differentiation when volume competition intensifies.

Quality Characteristics: The Chilean Flavor Profile

Chilean blueberries have traditionally been recognized for their balanced flavor profile, combining sweetness with slight acidity. The Mediterranean climate of central regions and temperate conditions further south create fruit with excellent firmness and post-harvest quality.

An additional 60,000 tons went to frozen processing, representing 40% of total production, serving industrial and ingredient markets.

Market Distribution & Certifications

Europe received 43% of Chilean fresh exports in 2024-2025, matching the United States at 43%. Asia accounted for 11%, with growth in South Korea offsetting declines to China. Latin America showed explosive 111% growth, albeit from a small base.

The Chilean Blueberry Committee launched its Sello de Pertenencia (Seal of Belonging) to reinforce quality standards and international recognition, emphasizing best practices, varietal renewal, and commitment to excellence.

Canada: Wild Blueberries and Northern Excellence

Canada produced 165,608 tons of blueberries in 2024, the country's second-largest fruit crop after apples. What distinguishes Canadian production is the dominance of wild (lowbush) blueberries, which accounted for 61% of the 2022 crop, primarily from Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

Geography & Climate: Wild Barrens and Cultivated Fields

Wild blueberries thrive in the acidic, well-drained soils of Atlantic Canada and Quebec. These lowbush varieties cannot be planted, instead managed on natural berry fields called barrens through controlled burning and careful husbandry. Quebec produced 43,997 tons of wild blueberries in 2024, representing 47% of Canada's wild blueberry total.

British Columbia dominates cultivated (highbush) production, yielding 94% of Canada's total highbush output in 2024. The Fraser Valley's temperate climate and fertile soils create ideal conditions for varieties similar to those grown in Washington and Oregon. BC's highbush production reached 59,157 tons in 2023, rebounding 41% after several challenging years.

Production Scale & Climate Challenges

The 2025 drought severely impacted Atlantic wild blueberry production, with yields down approximately 70% from the three-year average. New Brunswick's crop fell to just 20 million pounds versus a typical 68 million pounds. This climate vulnerability underscores the challenges facing wild blueberry producers.

Quality Characteristics: Wild Sweetness and Antioxidant Power

Wild blueberries are renowned for producing sweeter, more potent flavor than cultivated highbush varieties. They're high in flavonoids and polyphenol antioxidants, with clinical studies suggesting anti-cancer properties.

Canadian highbush berries benefit from northern growing conditions, producing fruit with excellent firmness and shelf life suitable for fresh export markets.

Export Markets & Certifications

Blueberries generated $630 million in export value in 2024, making them Canada's top fruit export and representing 57% of total fruit export value. Primary destinations include the United States, Japan, and New Zealand for highbush varieties, with wild blueberries shipping to the United States, Japan, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

Wild blueberries were Canada's second most valuable fruit export in 2024, generating $313 million, while highbush blueberries led at $382 million.

Spain: Europe's Mediterranean Powerhouse

Spain, concentrated almost entirely in Andalusia's Huelva province, produced 66,600 tons of blueberries in the 2024-2025 season, representing a 16.3% increase over the previous year. This positions Spain as Europe's second-largest producer after Poland, accounting for approximately 32% of total EU production.

Geography & Climate: Huelva's Extended Season

Huelva accounts for over 94% of Spain's blueberry production, with cultivation spanning 4,700 hectares in 2024-2025. The Mediterranean climate provides mild winters and moderate summers, enabling a production window extending over six months, from January through July.

Northern regions including Asturias, Galicia, and Cantabria contribute late-season production, extending the Spanish harvest season until September or October with Rabbiteye varieties.

Production Scale & Sustainable Practices

Average yields reached 14.8 tons per hectare in 2024-2025, a 16.8% increase after years of climate-related volatility. The sector has embraced sustainable agriculture, with 75.3% of production using integrated pest management systems and 19.2% certified organic.

Quality Characteristics: Mediterranean Terroir

Spanish blueberries benefit from Huelva's unique terroir. The combination of rich, well-drained soils, abundant sunlight, and cool Atlantic breezes creates fruit with elevated polyphenol content and excellent firmness. The region's expertise, developed through decades of strawberry and raspberry production, translates into meticulous berry management.

Competitive Pressures & Market Position

Spain faces growing competition from Morocco, whose January-to-May harvest window directly overlaps Spanish production. In just the first two months of 2025, Spain imported 7,180 tons from Morocco, representing 22% of all 2024 Moroccan imports, demonstrating Morocco's rapid ascent.

Spanish producers counter through quality focus, varietal innovation, and leveraging proximity to European markets. Spain contributes approximately 11% of global blueberry exports, with primary destinations including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands.

Morocco: Africa's Emerging Giant

Morocco has experienced extraordinary growth, becoming the world's fourth-largest blueberry exporter with 74,000 to 80,000 tons exported in 2024, a 15% increase over 2023. This represents a dramatic rise from just 636 tons in 2009, averaging 43% annual growth.

Geography & Climate: Strategic Positioning

Morocco's geographic advantage lies in its proximity to European markets, enabling fresh fruit to reach Spain, the UK, and Germany within days. The Souss and Oriental regions offer mild winters, warm dry summers, and fertile, well-drained soils that create multiple harvests per year.

Traditional growing zones in Loukkos and Agadir now expand to include Dakhla in the south, where large-scale irrigation using desalinated seawater enables cultivation. The Atlas Mountains contribute summer blueberries, further extending Morocco's export window.

Production Scale & Water Management

Morocco cultivates approximately 6,500 to 7,000 hectares of blueberries, with projections to exceed 9,000 hectares by 2030, potentially reaching 120,000 tons in annual exports. Average productivity exceeds 12 tons per hectare.

Water scarcity presents the sector's greatest challenge. Morocco is among the Mediterranean countries most vulnerable to climate change, with declining rainfall and aquifer depletion. The government's Generation Green 2020-2030 strategy promotes drip irrigation, satellite monitoring, and treated water reuse to sustain growth.

Quality Characteristics & Market Timing

Moroccan blueberries are recognized for excellent firmness and superior taste when grown in ideal terroir. The critical export window between January and May positions Morocco perfectly between the South American season's end and Europe's start, allowing premium pricing.

Export Markets & Infrastructure

Spain remains the primary destination with 20,100 tons in 2023-2024, followed by the UK (14,600 tons), the Netherlands (14,500 tons), Germany (4,300 tons), and France (3,900 tons). Morocco is diversifying into the Middle East, with 1,800 tons exported to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

The Tangier Med port infrastructure and EU trade agreements provide logistical advantages. Export revenues exceeded $500 million in 2024, generating substantial employment across producing regions.

Mexico: Strategic Positioning for North America

Mexico's blueberry sector, while experiencing a 9% production decline to 73,500 tons in 2025, remains strategically vital as the world's sixth-largest producer. The production decrease stems from deliberate harvest timing adjustments rather than abandonment of the crop.

Geography & Climate: Protected Cultivation Advantage

Jalisco, Sinaloa, Michoacán, and Baja California account for 90% of Mexico's output. Jalisco leads with ideal conditions: moist, acidic soils, temperatures ranging from 64 to 72°F in northern areas, and average rainfall of 1,600mm in highlands versus 500mm in coastal plains.

All Mexican blueberry production occurs under plastic coverings providing 25% UV protection, with no open-field cultivation. About half is planted in soil, half in substrate containers, with substrate gaining favor for disease resistance and irrigation efficiency.

Production Scale & Strategic Timing Shift

Mexican producers have strategically delayed harvest starts from October to February to avoid competing with Peru's lower-cost berries during October-January. By shortening the harvest period and exporting during the February-May window when South American supply declines, producers aim to offset lower volume with higher revenue.

Planted area is forecast to decrease slightly to 6,008 hectares in 2025 as producers shift to higher-yielding proprietary varieties.

Quality Characteristics & Market Access

Mexican blueberries benefit from proximity to the U.S. market and USMCA tariff-free access. The United States receives 96-97% of Mexican exports, with fresh fruit arriving in U.S. markets within days of harvest.

Substrate planting adoption improves water management, nutrient delivery, and yields while minimizing soil-borne disease risks. Drip irrigation and precision watering technologies optimize water use in arid regions like Sinaloa and Baja California.

Domestic Consumption Growth

Mexican per capita consumption surged 109% year-over-year, rising from 70 grams in 2023 to 146 grams in 2024. While still below U.S. levels, this reflects growing awareness of health benefits and increasing domestic market potential.

So Which Blueberry Is "Best"?

There's no single answer because the "best" blueberry depends entirely on your needs, priorities, and intended use. Here's how to match production origin to your requirements.

For Premium Fresh Markets & Extended Shelf Life: Peru leads with exceptional firmness, large caliber, and post-harvest quality. The country's 19 tons per hectare yields and advanced genetics (Ventura, Sekoya Pop, Mágica) deliver consistent premium fruit. Trade-off: higher prices reflect premium positioning.

For Intense Flavor & Antioxidant Content: Canadian wild (lowbush) blueberries and Maine's wild crop offer sweeter, more potent flavor with elevated antioxidant levels. These smaller berries excel in processing, baking, and products where concentrated blueberry taste matters. Trade-off: smaller size, less suitable for fresh display.

For Year-Round Availability: Combine Northern and Southern Hemisphere sources. U.S. production peaks July-September, Peru dominates September-March, Chile supplies December-March, while Spain provides January-July coverage. Mexico and Morocco fill strategic gaps. Trade-off: requires managing multiple supplier relationships.

For Organic Certification: Peru offers 11% organic production, Spain provides 19.2% certified organic from Huelva, and Canada maintains strong organic programs. Trade-off: organic certification typically adds 15-30% to costs.

For Proximity to European Markets: Spain and Morocco dominate. Spanish fruit arrives within days to major European cities, while Morocco's Tangier Med port enables rapid distribution. Trade-off: Morocco faces water scarcity challenges long-term.

For Cost-Conscious Processing Markets: Chinese production serves massive domestic demand at competitive prices, though export infrastructure remains developing. U.S. processing-grade fruit from Washington and Oregon provides reliable quality at moderate pricing. Trade-off: processing grades sacrifice premium appearance for functionality.

For Tariff-Free Access to U.S. Markets: Mexico benefits from USMCA provisions, enabling tariff-free entry while Canada enjoys similar advantages. Trade-off: Mexico's shortened harvest window limits supply duration.

The blueberry you choose should align with your specific requirements for timing, quality attributes, certifications, logistics, and price point. The best strategy often involves diversifying sources across growing regions to ensure consistent year-round supply while managing quality and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country produces the most blueberries?

China became the world's largest blueberry producer in 2021, reaching between 780,000 and 957,000 tons in 2024-2025, primarily for domestic consumption. However, Peru leads global exports with 325,559 tons shipped in 2024 valued at $2.27 billion.

What's the difference between Peruvian and U.S. blueberries?

Peruvian blueberries emphasize large caliber, excellent firmness, and extended shelf life through advanced genetics like Ventura and Sekoya Pop varieties, achieving 19 tons per hectare. U.S. production offers greater variety diversity, including unique wild lowbush blueberries from Maine with intense flavor and higher antioxidants. Peruvian fruit supplies counter-seasonal markets September-March, while U.S. production peaks July-September.

Which country produces the best quality blueberries?

Quality depends on intended use. Canadian and Maine wild blueberries offer superior flavor intensity and antioxidant content. Peru excels in large, firm berries with extended shelf life. Spain's Mediterranean climate produces high polyphenol content. Morocco and Chile deliver excellent firmness and taste when conditions align. No single origin is objectively "best," different regions excel for different applications.

Why are Peruvian blueberries more expensive than others?

Peruvian blueberries command premium prices due to superior yields of 19 tons per hectare, advanced proprietary genetics providing larger size and better firmness, counter-seasonal timing filling Northern Hemisphere gaps, and substantial investments in modern infrastructure. Additionally, 11% organic certification and year-round production capability add value. The premium reflects quality differentiation rather than simple production costs.

Which countries export blueberries to Europe?

Spain and Morocco dominate European fresh blueberry markets due to geographic proximity. Spain contributes 11% of global exports, primarily serving Germany, UK, France, and Netherlands. Morocco's January-May window positions it between South American and European seasons. Peru supplies 22% of EU imports during off-seasons, while Chile contributes 7%.

Are organic blueberries available year-round?

Yes, through coordinated sourcing. Peru provides 40,000 tons of projected organic production representing 11% of exports during September-March. Spain offers 19.2% organic from Huelva January-July. U.S. and Canadian organic production covers summer months July-October. Year-round organic availability requires managing multiple certified suppliers across hemispheres.

What makes wild blueberries different from cultivated?

Wild (lowbush) blueberries cannot be planted, only managed on natural barrens, producing smaller berries with more intense sweetness and higher antioxidant content. They undergo cross-pollination creating genetic diversity within crops. Cultivated (highbush) varieties are bred for specific traits including size, firmness, shelf life, and appearance, with more uniform characteristics suitable for fresh markets.

The Future of Global Blueberry Production

Climate change will reshape blueberry geography. Morocco's water scarcity challenges, drought impacts on Canadian wild blueberries, and extreme cold events devastating British Columbia vineyards demonstrate climate vulnerability. Successful producers will invest in water-efficient irrigation, climate-resilient genetics, and geographic diversification.

Varietal innovation continues accelerating. Peru's shift from Biloxi to Ventura, Sekoya Pop, and emerging varieties, Chile's adoption of Fall Creek Collection varieties, and breeding programs worldwide focus on flavor, firmness, shelf life, disease resistance, and climate adaptability. Consumers increasingly demand taste alongside appearance.

Market concentration will intensify. The top 10 producing countries account for 88% of global production, with China, U.S., and Peru controlling nearly two-thirds. However, emerging producers in Georgia, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, and other regions may disrupt established patterns.

For buyers, success requires understanding these geographic nuances, building diversified supply chains spanning multiple origins, and staying current with quality trends, certifications, and market timing. The blueberry that arrives at your table represents a complex global system where geography, climate, genetics, and trade logistics converge.

Published by Agrilinkage