Top 10 Blueberry Producers in 2025: A Comprehensive Review
Blueberries have become a global agricultural powerhouse over the past decade. In 2023, global production is estimated to reach 1.78 million tons, with the combined output of the top three producing countries-China, the United States, and Peru-accounting for approximately 88% of total global supply. As of mid-2025, these leaders continue to dominate, driven by expanding acreage, innovative technologies, consumer demand, and strategic export markets. This report evaluates the top 10 blueberry producing countries in 2025, analyzing production figures, growth trends, export strategies, and future projections.
1. China – the world leader by volume
- 2023 Production: ~563,000 tons (≈32% of world total)
- 2024-25 Trend: Yunnan Province alone expanded production to 171,000 tons on 16,660 ha, valued at ¥17 billion (€2.19 billion).
- Drivers:
- Aggressive Planting and Infrastructure Investment in Yunnan
- Rising domestic consumption driven by health-conscious trends
“China’s blueberry boom in Yunnan has attracted over 100 companies…creating jobs for over 100,000 people,” points out a provincial agricultural official.
- Outlook: Continued expansion in Asia-Pacific, although much of the production will serve domestic and regional markets rather than exports.
2. United States – The Highbush Giant
- 2023 Production: 333,660 tons
- Production Share: Approximately 16-19% of global production
- Regional highlights:
- Dominant highbush production in Washington, Oregon, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina
- Wild (lowbush) production concentrated in Maine – accounts for 95% of wild blueberries
- Consumption Patterns:
- The United States remains the world’s largest consumer of blueberries, consuming about 36% of world production. The EU and China follow with 22% and 18%, respectively.
- Outlook: Modest production growth expected; strong domestic market supports continued stability.
3. Peru – Export Powerhouse
- 2023 Production: ~234,000 tons
- 2025 Forecast: USDA estimates that production could reach 355,000 MT in MY 2025/26, with exports expected to be ~335,000 MT.
- Export Revenues: Over $2.27 billion by end of 2024-25 season
- Export Strategy:
- Leading exporter, with 326,000 tons shipped in 2024 (+57% vs. 2023)
- Primary markets: USA (60% of supply), Europe, expanding into China
- Uses late-season genetic varieties (e.g. Eureka Sunset) suitable for arid environments
- Expert Opinion: “There will be a rebalancing of export share…The full potential of the Chinese market has not yet been fully realized,” warns a leading industry executive.
- Outlook: Massive export growth expected; potential to exceed 400,000 tons if favorable weather continues.
4. Canada – Balanced Highbush & Lowbush Production
- 2023 Production: 166,983 tons
- Production structure: 70,000 tons from BC (highbush), rest from Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia (wild blueberries)
- Production Share: ~9-10% of world production
- Outlook: Moderate growth expected, with emphasis on processing and diversification into pulps and extracts.
5. Chile – Southern Hemisphere mainstay
- 2023 Production: 132,000 tons
- Exports: 83,000 tons in 2023 (~11% of global exports)
- Growth Drivers: Established exports to US/Europe; faces export competition from Peru, but maintains niche markets.
- Outlook: Slight decline in exports predicted; production expected to stabilize.
6. Mexico – Rapid upward trend
- 2023 Production: 67,000 tons
- Export volume: 83,260 tons in 2023, mainly to the USA
- Growth Rate: Among top 10 exporters with strong annual growth
- Outlook: Strategic strength lies in proximity to the U.S.; continued growth in production and exports expected.
7. Morocco – North African growth hub
- 2023 Production: 62,000 tons
- Export volume: ~56,000 tons
- Growth Trend: Among the top exotic exporters, driven by EU demand
- Outlook: Production scale-up expected; potential climatic risks from dry conditions.
8. Poland – European Highbush Force
- 2023 Production: 62,000 tons
- Market: Primarily regional/EU consumption
- Outlook: Continued moderate gains driven by EU health trend consumption.
9. Spain – Strategic supplier to Europe
- 2023 Production: 71,000 tons
- Exports: ~71,000 tons in 2023
- Outlook: Well positioned for early season exports to EU; potential moderate growth expected.
10. South Africa – Southern Hemisphere Candidate
- 2023 Production: 35,000 tons
- Growth: Emerging supplier of seasonal berries to EU/UK markets
- Outlook: Likely to continue steady increase in market presence.
Top 10 Blueberry Producers
| Rank | Country | Production 2023 (MT) | Share of World (%) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 563,000 | ~32% | Mass planting in Yunnan; domestic consumption |
| 2 | United States | 333,660 | ~19% | Highbush & wild; largest consumer |
| 3 | Peru | 234,000 | ~13% | Leading exporter; forecast to 355K MT |
| 4 | Canada | 166,983 | ~9% | Mix of highbush & lowbush |
| 5 | Chile | 132,000 | ~7% | Southern Hemisphere supply |
| 6 | Mexico | 67,000 | ~4% | Proximity to US; growing exports |
| 7 | Morocco | 62,000 | ~3.5% | EU demand driver |
| 8 | Poland | 62,000 | ~3.5% | EU regional production |
| 9 | Spain | 71,000 | ~4% | EU market exporter |
| 10 | South Africa | 35,000 | ~2% | Emerging southern supplier |
Regional Growth & Export Dynamics
By Region | Production (MT) | Notes |
Asia Pacific | 93,000 ha | China surges; region nearly equals the Americas in area |
Americas (South) | 113,000 ha | Peru, Chile, Mexico dominate |
Europe/ME/Africa | 57,000 ha | Main contributors Poland, Spain, Morocco |
Quick Insight – Block Fragment:
Understanding Regional Scale
- The Americas: Largest area under cultivation (~42%), led by South America (Peru, Chile), North America (U.S., Canada)
- Asia-Pacific: Rapid growth with China leading in area (93,000 ha)
- Europe/Africa: 57,000 hectares with increasing production in Morocco, Poland, Spain
Key drivers behind the trends
- Area Expansion & Advanced Cultivation
- Latin America (Peru, Chile, Mexico) and Asia (China) have seen significant area expansion. Peru’s blueberry acreage grew from 80 ha in 2012 to ~20,500 ha in 2025.
- Innovative Genetics & Infrastructure
- Peru’s introduction of the drought-tolerant Eureka Sunset variety in the Pisco region; use of the port of Chancay for faster shipping to Asia.
- Growing global demand
- Blueberries are now a year-round commodity in a variety of forms (fresh, frozen, pureed). China’s domestic demand supports its massive production.
- Export market dynamics
- Peru leads exports (326,000 t in 2024), with regulatory changes (US tariffs) triggering diversification to China, India, Indonesia.
- Climate variability
- Export volumes decrease by ~12% in 2023 due to adverse weather conditions in major producing regions.
Expert Perspectives
“Global blueberry production reached 1.78 million tons in 2023, with China, the United States and Peru contributing 88% of production,” according to the International Blueberry Organization.
FAO-UN data show that “Peru has become the world’s second largest producer of blueberries after the United States and the world’s largest exporter.
Summary & Forecast – Outlook 2025
- China consolidates its position as the largest producer by volume, largely for domestic consumption.
- The United States remains the largest consumer, with stable production in the highbush and wild segments.
- Peru is on track for massive export growth, potentially reaching 400,000 MT in 2025-26, with a pivot to Asian markets amid US tariff challenges.
- Secondary players such as Canada, Chile, Mexico, Morocco, Poland, Spain, and South Africa continue to expand but face competitive and climate pressures.
- The global total is expected to exceed 1.9 million tons in 2025, driven by rising demand, technological gains, and new regional capacity.
Learn Insights
Global Blueberry Snapshot (2023-2025):
- Total Production: ~1.78 million tons in 2023; forecast to exceed 1.9 million tons in 2025
- Leading Countries: China (32%), USA (19%), Peru (13%), Canada (9%), Chile (7%)
- Export Leaders: Peru (1st), Chile, Mexico, Spain, Canada (by volume)
- Key trends: Area expansion, genetic adaptation, market diversification, climate variability
Conclusion
In 2025, the blueberry agri-food sector stands at the nexus of global demand, scientific innovation, and economic geopolitics. China’s domestic boom, Peru’s export strategy, and North American consumption dynamics define the global landscape. Secondary producers in Europe, Africa, and the Southern Hemisphere contribute to seasonal coverage and market diversity.
Looking ahead, adaptability-through climate-resilient varieties, logistical innovations like the Port of Chancay, and adaptive market strategies amid tariff changes-will determine which countries not only sustain but grow their blueberry sectors. For policymakers, agribusiness investors, and global market analysts, understanding the interplay between volume, trade routes, production efficiencies, and market diversification is essential to navigating this rapidly evolving industry.
