Which Country Is the Largest Blueberry Importer in the World?

Blueberries, with their vibrant color, antioxidant-rich profile, and sweet-tart flavor, have become one of the most sought-after fruits across the globe. Their popularity has surged not just for their delicious taste but also because of growing awareness about their health benefits — from boosting brain function to improving heart health. As global consumption rises, several countries have emerged as key players in both production and importation.

But have you ever wondered which country imports the most blueberries in the world? In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore which country holds this title, why their demand is so high, and how global blueberry trade has evolved in recent years.

A Look at the Global Blueberry Trade

Blueberries have seen a remarkable increase in global trade over the past decade. Thanks to growing health-consciousness and year-round demand, international imports of blueberries have skyrocketed. Global trade in fresh blueberries has expanded from around 200,000 metric tons in 2010 to over 950,000 metric tons in 2024, with the market valued at nearly $6.6 billion USD.

The trade is largely driven by seasonal production cycles. The Northern Hemisphere harvests its blueberries from May to October, while countries in the Southern Hemisphere — like Peru, Chile, and South Africa — supply fresh fruit during the Northern Hemisphere’s off-season. This ensures a year-round supply for major importing nations.

The Largest Blueberry Importer in the World: The United States

When it comes to both volume and value, the United States is currently the largest importer of blueberries in the world.

Import Volume & Value:

• Import volume (2023-2024): Over 350,000 metric tons
• Import value (2023-2024): Approx. $2.2 billion USD

Why Does the United States Import So Many Blueberries?

This might seem surprising, considering the U.S. is also one of the world’s largest producers of blueberries. So why does it top the list of importers too? Let’s take a closer look.

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Counter-Seasonal Demand

The U.S. blueberry season primarily runs from April to September. To meet year-round consumer demand — especially in winter and early spring — the U.S. imports huge quantities of blueberries from Peru, Chile, Mexico, Canada, and Argentina.

Growing Health Awareness

As more Americans become aware of the nutritional benefits of blueberries — high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and powerful antioxidants — their popularity has soared. This has expanded demand beyond local production capacity.

Product Variety and Freshness

Consumers increasingly demand fresh, organic, and specialty varieties like jumbo and wild blueberries, some of which are better sourced from specific countries known for premium quality exports.

Processed and Frozen Blueberries

In addition to fresh consumption, blueberries are widely used in juices, jams, cereals, yogurts, and desserts, leading to consistent demand for processed and frozen berries year-round.

Who Supplies Blueberries to the United States?

The United States primarily imports blueberries from countries in the Southern Hemisphere during its off-season. Key suppliers include:

• Peru — the world’s largest blueberry exporter since 2019
• Chile — long-time supplier, second largest exporter
• Mexico — growing rapidly due to proximity and lower tariffs
• Canada — a reliable partner, especially in Eastern U.S. markets
• Argentina — supplies between August and November

In particular, Peru has transformed the global blueberry trade, becoming the top supplier to the U.S. by volume and value. In 2023, Peru exported over 300,000 metric tons of blueberries globally, much of it destined for the U.S. market.

Germany: Europe’s Leading Blueberry Importer

While the U.S. dominates globally, Germany is Europe’s largest importer of blueberries. In 2023:

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• Import volume: Around 78,000 metric tons
• Import value: Approximately $480 million USD

Germany’s demand for blueberries continues to rise, fueled by health trends, a growing organic food market, and increased use of berries in desserts, yogurts, and smoothies. Germany mainly sources its imports from:

• Spain
• Poland
• Morocco
• Peru
• Chile

Germany’s large supermarket chains and discount retailers stock blueberries nearly year-round, and they are a staple in German households, particularly during the spring and summer months.

Netherlands: Europe’s Key Blueberry Trade Hub

The Netherlands plays a significant role as both an importer and re-exporter of blueberries within Europe. In 2023:

• Imported: About 88,000 metric tons of fresh blueberries
• Re-exported: Over 77,000 metric tons to neighboring European countries like Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom

Thanks to its strategic location and world-class port facilities at Rotterdam, the Netherlands serves as a critical entry point for blueberries into the European Union.

China: A Rapidly Growing Market

China is a rising star in the global blueberry market. Despite producing a significant amount of blueberries domestically — becoming the world’s largest producer by 2022 — its imports continue to grow.

In 2022:

• Imported: Around 43,000 metric tons
• Key suppliers: Peru, Chile, and Mexico

China’s blueberry imports are driven by growing middle-class demand, increased awareness of the fruit’s health benefits, and the popularity of gifting high-quality fruits during festivals and holidays.

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Global Blueberry Import Trends

Several trends are shaping the future of the blueberry trade:

Rising Demand for Organic and Premium Berries

Health-conscious consumers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia increasingly prefer organic and premium blueberries, driving up both import volume and value.

Year-Round Availability

Global supply chains are becoming more sophisticated, allowing fresh blueberries to be available 12 months a year in most major markets.

Emerging Markets

Countries like India, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Middle East are showing increased interest in blueberries as disposable incomes and health awareness rise.

Summary Table: Top Blueberry Importers (2023-2024)

Final Thoughts

To conclude:

• The United States remains the largest importer of blueberries in the world, both by volume and value.
• Peru and Chile are the primary suppliers, ensuring a year-round supply of fresh blueberries to American consumers.
• In Europe, Germany and the Netherlands lead the pack, while China is fast emerging as a significant player.

As the global appetite for blueberries continues to grow, and as more countries embrace health-focused diets, international blueberry trade will only become more dynamic. Whether fresh, frozen, or dried, blueberries are no longer just a seasonal treat — they’re a year-round global commodity.