A Perennial flowering plant that can grow naturally in the forest and also be cultivated for food. It is largely produced in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Southern Hemisphere. Blueberries are used in products such as Juice, dried jam, wine, frozen foods, and infused beverages.
United States leads global blueberry production with 317,150 metric tonnes.
Peru follows closely, producing 292,584 metric tonnes.
Canada ranks third with 180,117 metric tonnes.
Chile and Spain complete the top five producers.
| Rank | Country | Annual Production (Metric Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 317,150 |
| 2 | Peru | 292,584 |
| 3 | Canada | 180,117 |
| 4 | Chile | 122,512 |
| 5 | Spain | 70,420 |
| 6 | Mexico | 67,305 |
| 7 | Poland | 64,000 |
| 8 | Morocco | 30,250 |
| 9 | Portugal | 19,050 |
| 10 | Germany | 15,370 |
| 11 | Italy | 9,250 |
| 12 | Netherlands | 8,100 |
| 13 | France | 7,611 |
| 14 | Australia | 6,286 |
| 15 | Russia | 4,200 |
| 16 | New Zealand | 3,810 |
| 17 | Romania | 3,330 |
| 18 | Austria | 2,060 |
| 19 | Croatia | 730 |
| 20 | Switzerland | 706 |
Blueberry cultivation has grown exponentially in the last two decades from a specialty crop to an international fruit of major importance. Blueberries have their origin in North America but are cultivated widely on different continents today, with principal producers being the United States, Peru, Canada, Chile, and Spain. Blueberries are popular worldwide due to their established health advantages such as high antioxidant value, vitamins, and their role in heart and brain health.
The United States has traditionally been the front-runner in blueberry cultivation, but Peru has become a leading exporter in recent times on the back of good climate and effective farming methods. Canada is still a significant contributor, particularly in wild blueberry species, and Chile’s counter-seasonal harvest ensures year-round availability in the Northern Hemisphere.
Improvements in farming practices, better cultivars, and increasing consumer demand for superfoods have fueled this global expansion. Poland, Germany, and Portugal are just some of the European countries that have also increased their production levels, while even untraditional producers such as Morocco and Australia are becoming major participants in the market.
In spite of its expansion, blueberry cultivation is challenged by issues of climate change, soil adaptability, and water consumption. However, the worldwide blueberry market remains vibrant, with increasing acreage and investment in fresh and processed markets to fulfill increasing global demand.
